The Kansas State Board of Education has approved regulations allowing people with relevant experience but no education degree to obtain teaching licenses.

Wednesday’s 9-1 vote during a brief special meeting was necessary for implementing a new law that takes effect July 1.

Legislators approved the measure as a way to increase the available pool of teachers in science, math, engineering and technology in secondary schools.

The regulations would allow applicants without education degrees to receive Kansas teaching licenses if they have at least a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related work experience in the designated subjects. Applicants could also qualify with an industry-recognized certificate in a technical profession and five years of related work experience.