Connecticut Senate Bill SB00139

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/15
• Refer: 1/20/15

Caption

An Act Permitting Certain Out-of-state Teachers To Teach In Connecticut Schools.

Impact

By permitting out-of-state teachers to gain professional certification more easily, SB00139 potentially impacts various aspects of the Connecticut education system. Supporters argue it could enhance educational opportunities for students by allowing schools to hire experienced teachers more quickly, filling existing gaps within the workforce. Furthermore, it may provide flexibility for school districts facing recruitment challenges, particularly in rural areas where qualified teachers are often hard to come by. The bill could also foster a more diverse teaching workforce, reflecting the varied experiences and pedagogies from different states.

Summary

SB00139, introduced by Senator Boucher, seeks to amend section 10-145b of the general statutes to facilitate the hiring of qualified out-of-state teachers in Connecticut. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Department of Education issue professional certification to teachers who are certified in neighboring states and have accumulated at least two years of teaching experience. This proposal aims to address the teacher shortage in Connecticut by streamlining the certification process for competent educators from adjacent states, thus broadening the pool of applicants available to teach in the state’s schools.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has faced some scrutiny. Critics may argue that allowing out-of-state teachers to enter the Connecticut education system could create challenges concerning local hiring standards and educational quality. There are concerns that differences in state curricula, educational policies, and teacher preparation programs could impact student performance. Additionally, there might be apprehension among local educators regarding job security and the implications of interstate certification on the competitive landscape for teaching positions within Connecticut.