Praise & Concern Expressed at Hearings on Proposal to Restructure Teacher Licensing
The first several hearings on the Department of Public Instruction’s
plans to restructure teacher licensing drew a mix of support and concern
this week.
“We understand some members have concerns with the proposals,"
said WEAC President Terry Craney. "WEAC believes the restructuring
is a professionally responsible proposal and will benefit the profession
as a whole.”
A task force appointed by State Superintendent John Benson developed
the recommendations over several years. The task force recommended three
levels of competence-based licenses: initial, professional and master
licenses. The group also recommended creation of broad-area licenses
in place of existing course- and content-specific licenses.
“Some members are struggling with parts of the proposal,”
WEAC Instruction and Professional Development Director Katie Schultz
Stout said. “The WEAC Board of Directors, after many hours of thoughtful
deliberation, supported most of the plan. The board did vote to oppose
and recommend changes to the broad-based licensing sections. Creating
broad-based licenses in early childhood, middle childhood, early adolescence
and adolescence in place of grade level licenses could result in sacrificing
the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of students.”
The board also voted to recommend that all administrators first be
Master Teachers.
Little Chute teacher Jo Gehl told a Green Bay hearing the plan is “an
opportunity for teachers to take professionalism into their own hands.”
She called the proposals a “gigantic step forward.”
“Teachers would have more choices under the new system,”
Stout said. “People who currently hold five-year licenses would
be able to continue renewing them with six credits for the rest of their
careers, or they could opt for the new professional development plan
and performance-based renewal.”
Life license holders would have no new requirements under the proposals.
Stout said the restructuring proposals were especially important since
the current system of licensure has been undermined over the last three
years with three alternative licensure proposals passed by the Legislature.
“These legislative provisions currently allow people with four-year
degrees, but no teacher preparation, to teach and sub in our schools,”
Stout told a Madison hearing. “The message being sent is that anyone
who knows their subject can teach. It implies that there is no body
of professional knowledge and skill about teaching and learning needed.”
Stout urged members to study and understand the proposed plan and its
implications.
“We encourage members to visit WEAC’s Web site and read the
background information we
have provided,” she said. “We have posted a question-and-answer
document and the rules. It is important for all members to understand
the changes and participate in the process.”
Posted March 12, 1999