Connecticut Senate Bill SB00947

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/17
• Refer: 3/1/17

Caption

An Act Establishing A Waiver Process For Manufacturing Technology Teaching Faculty.

Impact

The introduction of this waiver process is expected to have a considerable impact on state education laws concerning the requirements for teaching positions within vocational and technical domains. By allowing relevant employment experience to qualify individuals for teaching roles, the bill addresses labor shortages in manufacturing fields and may contribute to improved educational outcomes. The measure also aligns educational standards with the evolving demands of the workforce, thereby enhancing the practical relevance of the curriculum offered at regional community-technical colleges.

Summary

SB00947 aims to establish a waiver process that allows applicants seeking employment in manufacturing technology programs at regional community-technical colleges to satisfy advanced degree requirements through relevant employment experience. The intent is to broaden the pool of qualified faculty by recognizing practical experience as a viable substitute for formal educational credentials. This change is especially significant in industries facing skilled labor shortages, ensuring that educational programs can operate effectively and remain aligned with current industry practices.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may arise from concerns about the adequacy of practical experience replacing formal education in teaching positions. Critics could argue that bypassing advanced degree requirements may compromise the quality of education provided to students in manufacturing technologies. Furthermore, the bill explicitly states that it will not alter existing collective bargaining agreements, which may lead to discussions about how this new waiver process might interact with established faculty standards and protections to ensure that quality is maintained across programs.