Alternative Teacher Certification Can Address Teacher Shortages, Indoctrination in the Classroom
- BY FGA
America’s schools face a number of challenges. Two of them, a teacher shortage and indoctrination in the classroom, can be helped with a reform Montana recently passed in Senate Bill 373.
Currently, most public K-12 teachers are trained in schools of education and are required to go through the university system in order to receive their certification. This means that in many states, teachers must receive a degree in education from a school of education before they can step foot in front of a public school classroom.
This severely limits the pipeline of teachers into the classroom. And it increases the likelihood that the available pool of educators is left-leaning, as teachers were predominantly taught by colleges and universities that encourage infusing leftist politics into their teaching methods.
Montana introduced an alternative teacher certification that allows teachers with degrees other than teaching access to the field. The requirements were simple:
- Graduate with a bachelor’s degree (in any subject).
- Pass a background check.
- Have subject-area proficiency.
- Receive pedagogical training.
Montana, like many states, faces a serious lack of teachers—especially in rural areas—due to teachers leaving the profession or moving out of state.
This bill maintains standards in the classroom but opens up the education field to a larger pool of qualified instructors—breaking up the monopoly schools of education have on certification.
Alternative teacher certification doesn’t have to look exactly like Montana’s to have a major impact on education.
Removing bureaucratic barriers to the education field can increase diversity of thought in America’s schools.
Imagine having your children taught by individuals with diverse backgrounds—careers, military experience, different degrees. Coursework could once again be focused on reading instead of race. Exposure to new ideas and life experiences can create a more well-rounded education, increase the number of teachers, and introduce young people to possible career options.
Montana may be on to something.
For more reforms that can protect and prepare the next generation, click here.
