Connecticut Senate Bill SB00290

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Concerning Teachers Who Are Certified In Other States And Certification Application Fees.

Impact

The legislation proposes to amend Section 10-146c and subsection (l) of Section 10-145b of the general statutes by capping certification application fees at a maximum of fifty dollars. This financial cap is intended to reduce barriers for applicants and encourage more certified teachers to apply for positions in the state. By making application fees more affordable, the bill may attract a larger pool of qualified educators, thus potentially alleviating the current shortages in various school districts.

Summary

Senate Bill 290, titled 'An Act Concerning Teachers Who Are Certified In Other States And Certification Application Fees,' seeks to streamline the process of teacher certification for individuals who are already certified and in good standing in other states. The bill includes a provision that mandates the Commissioner of Education to accept such certifications without imposing additional qualifications that could delay or complicate the hiring process for out-of-state educators. This aims to address teacher shortages in the state by making it easier for qualified teachers from other states to enter the workforce.

Contention

While the bill generally enjoys support for its goal of increasing the availability of qualified teachers, there are discussions regarding the balance of maintaining high educational standards and the potential influx of teachers from different states, which may have varying certification requirements. Some educators and unions may express concerns about the implications for teaching quality and whether the ease of certification aligns with the state's educational goals. Ensuring that out-of-state teachers meet the state's standards for quality education is a point of interest among stakeholders.