# EPSB approves teacher certification changes for greater flexibility **Published:** 2026-08-27T19:04:57.000Z **Source:** [Kentucky Teacher](http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/08/education-professional-standards-board-approves-teacher-certification-changes-to-give-teachers-schools-more-flexibility/) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/epsb-approves-teacher-certification-changes-for-greater-flexibility The Education Professional Standards Board approved revisions to Kentucky's teacher certification structure during its meeting on Aug. 18, according to [Kentucky Teacher](http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/08/education-professional-standards-board-approves-teacher-certification-changes-to-give-teachers-schools-more-flexibility/). The amendment to 16 KAR 2:010 adjusts grade bands for certification, with elementary now including kindergarten through sixth grade, middle school spanning fourth through ninth grade, and secondary covering seventh through 12th grade. The changes also introduce a secondary general science certificate and create a pathway for certified secondary science teachers to add additional science credentials. Melissa Diebel, academic program manager for the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Board of Education, said the amendments provide greater flexibility in cooperating teacher eligibility and student placements while clarifying expectations for remote observations and dual certification. However, candidates pursuing dual certification in elementary and special education must continue to complete placements in both elementary and middle or high school settings due to literacy and numeracy requirements, Diebel noted. A waiver process remains available when both placements are not possible, though Diebel emphasized such waivers should be exceptions. The Education Professional Standards Board, which [establishes standards and requirements for educator certification in Kentucky](https://www.education.ky.gov/epsb/Pages/Educator-Certification.aspx), developed the amendments following the work of the Education Certification Structure Workgroup, which began in December 2024. The workgroup included principals, teachers, school counselors, human resource officers, leaders from Kentucky universities, state lawmakers and other education stakeholders. The changes come as Kentucky continues efforts to address teacher workforce challenges. The [EPSB promotes high levels of student achievement by establishing and enforcing rigorous standards for preparation, certification, and professional conduct](https://www.education.ky.gov/epsb). ## Sources - [Kentucky Teacher](http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/08/education-professional-standards-board-approves-teacher-certification-changes-to-give-teachers-schools-more-flexibility/) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Kentucky Teacher, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/news/2026/08/education-professional-standards-board-approves-teacher-certification-changes-to-give-teachers-schools-more-flexibility/.