Public school teachers in Utah are pushing back against a state school board plan intended to address teacher shortages.
The Utah State Board of Education unanimously decided to allow schools to hire people with expertise in subject matter but no teaching license or classroom experience.
Many spoke against the plan at an overflowing board meeting last week. Their concerns included a lack of preparedness and burdening other educators, among others.
The Academic Pathway to Teaching rule requires applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree and show they mastered their intended course subject. They would be mentored by a veteran educator.
Board members will hear a report on the public’s feedback before meeting in August. The rule will go into effect if the board takes no action.