Education Minnesota disappointed by alternative licensure decision
ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 28, 2011: The following is a statement from Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher regarding the alternative teacher licensure measure:
“Education Minnesota is disappointed and concerned that our state may soon lower the standards for entering the teaching profession. Minnesota’s students and families deserve only the best-trained teachers in their classrooms, but the alternative licensure proposal before the Legislature this week does not do enough to ensure that high quality.
"The key to better teaching does not lie in making it easier to become a teacher. Our society does not address issues relating to doctors, attorneys, electricians or any other professional in such a manner.
"Education Minnesota believes that alternatively licensed teachers should have a significant, ongoing student teaching experience under the direct supervision of an experienced educator, to make sure they are fully ready to teach children.
"We also believe it is reasonable and responsible to require that teachers have a college degree in the field they will teach.
"And we believe that any group training people to be teachers should be required to work in partnership with a higher education institution that specializes in teacher training. None of these things are included in the bill.
"Education Minnesota believes there is value in alternative pathways into teaching but not when it lowers the standards of the profession.
"We obviously disagree with the decision by Gov. Dayton and legislative leaders to support this measure. We remain fully committed to excellence in public education, and we look forward to working with the governor and lawmakers from both parties on important issues relating to the education of our children.”
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 28, 2011