Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday signed Senate Bill 149 into law, creating a new pathway for military veterans to serve Alabama students in the classroom.
“Service is woven into the fabric of who we are as a state and as a nation, and by signing this bill into law, we are ensuring opportunity follows sacrifice,” Ivey said. “Our veterans have already answered the brave call to serve our country. Now, as America nears its 250th year, we are creating a pathway for our heroes to answer a new call—guiding students, filling critical teacher shortages and continuing their mission of service right here at home. This is good for our veterans, and it is especially good for our young people who will learn from their leadership and example.”
Senator Matt Woods and Representative Rick Rehm sponsored the legislation. It allows the Alabama State Department of Education to issue temporary teaching certificates to eligible veterans who would otherwise need at least a bachelor’s degree.
“Today marks a major step forward not only for our veterans, but also for Alabama’s entire education system,” Woods said. “By signing SB149 into law, we are building a pathway for our veterans to bring their leadership, experience and real-world knowledge back into our communities. This legislation ensures the next generation will learn from some of the very best our nation has to offer. I’m grateful to Ivey for her steadfast support of both our veterans and our students.”
Under the law, the Alabama State Department of Education will issue a Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate to applicants who document 48 months of active-duty military service with an honorable discharge or medical separation; pass a background check; are recommended for certification by a local superintendent of education or a private K-12 school administrator; complete 60 college credits with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; and earn a passing score on the Praxis test of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program.
“The final passage of the Military Veteran Temporary Teaching Certificate is a meaningful step forward for both our students and those who have served our country,” Rehm said. “Veterans bring proven leadership, accountability and a mission-driven mindset to the classroom. By creating this pathway, we are strengthening our teacher pipeline while honoring the service and sacrifice of our military men and women. I am grateful for Ivey’s partnership in continuing to make Alabama a national leader in supporting veterans.”
The certificate is nonrenewable and valid for five years. Ivey said her goal is to make Alabama the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the nation.
SB149 takes effect October 1, 2026.
