Mississippi House Bill HB407

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/5/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Teacher licensure; provide to certain individuals with a minimum of five years experience in public school districts or certain nonpublic schools.

Impact

The bill amends Section 37-3-2 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, providing pathways for certain instructors with a minimum of five years' experience in state-approved public or nonpublic schools to obtain a standard teacher license. This change is aimed at easing the transition for experienced educators into permanent positions while still adhering to professional standards. Additionally, it obliges these teachers to meet continuing education requirements and undergo professional development training, thereby fostering ongoing growth and compliance with educational standards.

Summary

House Bill 407 seeks to enhance the educator preparation programs across Mississippi by mandating that each program incorporates a preparatory review course for the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators examination and the Praxis II examination. The bill aims to ensure that prospective teachers are adequately equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge before entering the classroom. It specifies that these changes will take effect starting with the academic year 2022-2023, emphasizing the importance of a certified and competent teaching workforce in the state.

Contention

While this bill has points of support from various educational stakeholders, there may be contention around the implementation of these new requirements, particularly regarding the accessibility and efficacy of preparatory courses for the Praxis examinations. Critics may argue that there is a possibility of increased barriers for potential educators, especially those who may find the courses financially or logistically challenging to attend. Moreover, the decision to grant licensure based on experience alone, albeit with additional training requirements, may also raise concerns about maintaining stringent academic standards across the board.