(a) As used in this section:

(1) “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or territories or possessions of the United States; and

(2) “Educator preparation program” means a program designed to qualify an individual for certification as an educator provided by institutions of higher education or other providers, including, but not limited to, an alternate route to certification program.

(b) The Commissioner of Education, or the commissioner’s designee, as agent for the state shall enter into reciprocity agreements concerning educator certification reciprocity with the chief education officials for each state. If the commissioner is unable to establish a reciprocity agreement with another state, the commissioner may establish or join an interstate agreement pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

(c) The Commissioner of Education, or the commissioner’s designee, as agent for the state shall establish or join interstate agreements with other states to facilitate the certification of qualified educators from other states. Any such interstate agreement shall include provisions requiring candidates for certification to, at a minimum, (1) hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, (2) have fulfilled post-preparation assessments as approved by the commissioner, and (3) have successfully completed an approved educator preparation program. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 10-145b and 10-145f, the State Board of Education shall issue the appropriate certificate to any applicant, based on such applicant’s qualifications, who satisfies the requirements of the appropriate interstate agreement.

(d) If the commissioner is unable to establish or join a reciprocity agreement or an interstate agreement with another state, the commissioner may create and make available a recognition statement that specifies the states, assessments and educator preparation programs that the commissioner will recognize for purposes of issuing certification under sections 10-145b and 10-145f.

(e) Not later than January 1, 2020, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall submit a progress report on the development and implementation of reciprocity agreements and interstate agreements and any recommendations for legislation to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to education, in accordance with the provisions of § 11-4a.