Teacher License Changes Supported in River Falls

River Falls teacher Bob Gustafson addresses the Assembly Education Committee (left to right) Chair Luther Olsen, committee clerk, David Brandemuehl, Steve Kestell, Jean Hundertmark, Joan Spillner, Kitty Rhoades.

New teacher licensing rules advanced by the Department of Public Instruction put teachers in charge of their own professional development, members of the Assembly Education Committee were told Tuesday (December 14, 1999) at a hearing in River Falls.

River Falls teacher Mary Bebie

This renewed emphasis on carefully planned professional development "will give meaning to an educator's career," said Mary Bebie, a 4th-grade teacher in River Falls.

"When teachers grow professionally with a meaningful plan, students will benefit," she said. "When teachers learn, students learn. The new changes bring a new professionalism to education. Teachers can again begin receiving the respect doctors and lawyers have so long been given."

The only cautions Bebie brought to the committee were that adequate funding be provided for mentors, panels and trained assessors and that "attention must be given to exceptions made for persons being licensed without an education degree."

The hearing was one of several held throughout the state by the Assembly and Senate education committees. The rules were written by the Department of Public Instruction after lengthy hearings and input from educators. Because these are rules, and not laws, they do not need to pass the full Legislature or be signed by the governor. However, the Legislature's education committees have authority to block their implementation.

Among the people who testified at the River Falls hearing were River Falls teacher Bob Gustafson, Osceola teacher Karla Jenkins, and a panel of three teachers who traveled from Milwaukee to give the urban perspective – Bob Lehmann, Bob Nerad and Carey VanDenBusch.

VanDenBusch, a fourth-year teacher at Forest Home Avenue Elementary School, emphasized the importance of providing assistance to new teachers. She said her mentor was instrumental in her making it through that difficult first year of teaching.

"She did not have a classroom, and her job was to mentor new teachers. I can honestly tell you that she is the reason I will stay in education as a career," VanDenBusch said.

Nationally certified teacher Karla Jenkins speaks in favor of the rules. Reps. Jean Hundertmark, Joan Spillner, and Kitty Rhoades listen intently.

Jenkins, who recently earned National Board certification, said her experience in the certification process reinforced her belief that teaching is a "performance art" and that teachers need a strong system of professional development.

"The proposed changes will assist teachers at all stages of their careers," she said. "Beginning teachers will receive mentoring, professional educators will be able to tailor their professional development to their own needs, and there will be an achievable, valid benchmark established for those who wish to become master educators.

"I feel that the proposed changes – well administered – will renew the enthusiasm of many teachers, prove their proficiency to the public, and provide information needed for all of us – students, teachers and administrators – to grow and flourish."

Gustafson said the rule changes get to the heart of education – student achievement.

"We want to assure that students develop the skills and knowledge to function successfully in school so that they also may succeed as adults in the 21st century. In order for that to happen there must be a qualified teacher in every classroom. And that is what I feel this new proposal for teacher licensure is all about," Gustafson said.

"Most states are exploring changes in teacher licensure and standards for certified staff, but I know of no plan that is as extensive and innovative as what you are considering today."

• Resource page on teacher licensing

Photos by Brandon Rettke

Posted December 15, 1999