certification requirements; private school teachers

Plain English Breakdown

The official bill text does not include an effective date, so it is unknown when these rules take effect.

SB1576: Certification Rules for Private School Teachers Working with Blind or Visually Impaired Students

This law requires private school teachers in Arizona who teach blind or visually impaired students to hold specific certifications from recognized boards or complete approved university programs.

What This Bill Does

• Requires the State Board of Education to set rules for certain private school teachers.
• Mandates that these teachers obtain a valid certification from a nationally or internationally recognized organization.
• Allows teachers to meet requirements by finishing a university-level preparation program approved by the state board.
• Applies specifically to instruction provided to pupils who are blind or visually impaired in private schools.

Who It Names or Affects

• Teachers working in Arizona private schools
• Pupils who are blind or visually enrolled in those schools
• The State Board of Education

Terms To Know

State Board of Education (SBE)

The state agency that creates rules and standards for education.

Certification

An official document proving a teacher has the required training to teach specific subjects or students.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not state when these new rules will officially begin.
• It is unclear if teachers already working in this role must retrain immediately or can keep their current status until a future date.
• The specific list of recognized national and international organizations has not been provided in the text.

Official Summary Text

SB1576 - certification requirements; private school teachers

Current Bill Text

SB1576 - 572R - I Ver

REFERENCE TITLE:
certification requirements; private school teachers

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

SB 1576

Introduced by

Senator
Epstein

AN
ACT

amending title 15, chapter 2, article 1,
Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-214.01; relating to the
state board of education.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Title 15, chapter 2, article 1,
Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-214.01, to read:

START_STATUTE
15-214.01.

Certification requirements; private school teachers; blind and
visually impaired pupils; rules

A. Notwithstanding section 15-161,
the state board of education shall require teachers who provide instruction to
pupils who are blind or visually impaired in a private school in this state to
either:

1. Obtain a valid certification for
teachers who provide instruction to pupils who are blind or visually impaired
that is issued by either:

(
a
) A
nationally recognized board that certifies professionals who work with
individuals who are blind or visually impaired in education and rehabilitation.

(
b
) An
internationally recognized organization that certifies professionals who serve
individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

2. Successfully complete a university-level
teacher preparation program that meets or exceeds standards prescribed by the
state board of education for teachers who educate pupils who are blind and
visually impaired.

B. The state board of education may
adopt rules to implement this section.
END_STATUTE