Representative Melissa Provenzano

OKLAHOMA CITY — A reform to professional development for educators passed the Senate on Wednesday.

House Bill 1593, authored by Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa and Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, modifies how often teachers are required to complete professional development hours by reducing the frequency of four educator trainings out of the twenty-seven currently required by state statute.

“This eliminates unnecessary, redundant training that can become burdensome,” Stanley said. “It gives educators more time to focus on individual student’s needs and yet remain current with important topics.”

The legislation was created through conversations from educators and school staff across the state. The education professionals weren’t seeking an end to professional development but an opportunity to have more say in how, more specifically when, the courses are taken.

“This mild change gives our educators more flexibility and control,” Provenzano said. “It is a long-overdue reform that helps teachers. I appreciate each of the legislators for their pro-education vote.”

HB1593 is now eligible to be signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt.