Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §13011, sub-§10 is enacted to read:

10.__Alternative certification for military personnel.__The department, the state board and the University of Maine System shall create a program for retired military personnel to complete the necessary requirements for teacher certification in an abbreviated period of time and at a reduced cost or for free.__In exchange, the retired military person agrees to teach in a public school for a specified period of time following completion of the necessary courses.__Teachers certified under this alternative certification receive compensation at a reduced rate based upon the amount of the teacher's military pension.__The state board shall adopt rules to carry out the program.__Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive rules in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Department of Education, the State Board of Education and the University of Maine System to create a program to encourage retired military personnel to seek teacher certification and to teach in the State.