Education Minnesota disappointed in Senate vote on alternative licensure
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ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 3, 2011: The following is a statement from Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher regarding the Minnesota Senate vote on alternative licensure of teachers:
“We are disappointed by today’s Senate vote. Our students deserve better. Education Minnesota supports a responsible approach to alternative pathways into teaching. We believe it’s only reasonable that a teacher have a college degree in the field they’re teaching, and that alternatively licensed teachers be supervised to make sure our students are getting instruction from a fully-qualified professional. The bill passed today does not include either of those provisions.
"Parents rightfully expect that their schools should provide only the best-trained teachers for their children. We look forward to working with the leaders of both parties, and with the governor, to find a reasonable and responsible means of alternatively licensing teachers that doesn’t lower standards.”
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota represents 70,000 professionals working together for excellence in education for all students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and educational support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO. Follow us on Twitter.
February 03, 2011