Hearings Set on Alternative Teaching Permits
WEAC is urging all members to attend upcoming hearings on proposed rules
involving alternative teacher permits.
The Department of Public Instruction has scheduled four hearings on plans
to issue alternative teaching permits to people with bachelor’s degrees
and minimal teacher training. The rules implement a law passed by the
Legislature last session.
Under the proposed rules, people would qualify for permits if they have
bachelor’s degrees in engineering, music, art, foreign language,
computer science, mathematics or science; at least five years of experience
as a professional in the subject area in which the degree was awarded;
and complete 100 hours of formal instruction.
“These people may be skilled and knowledgeable in their fields,
but that doesn’t mean they can teach,” WEAC Instruction and
Professional Development Director Katie Schultz Stout said. “Assuming
that a short training can prepare someone to teach is contrary to everything
we know about developing professional skills.”
The hearings are scheduled for:
- Jan. 4: 4-6 p.m., GEF 3 Building, Madison.
- Jan. 5: 4-6 p.m., MPS Administration Building, Milwaukee.
- Jan 6: 4-6 p.m., West High School, Green Bay.
- Jan. 7: 4-6 p.m., South Middle School, Eau Claire.
Posted December 18, 1998