Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB640

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/8/23
• Refer: 11/8/23
• Report Pass: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

A license to teach based on working as a paraprofessional in a school district. (FE)

Impact

If passed, AB640 amends existing statutes related to teacher licensure in Wisconsin by creating a new category for provisional teaching licenses based on paraprofessional experience. This is significant as it expands the potential workforce of educators, particularly in contexts where there is high demand for teachers. The bill also emphasizes mentorship, requiring that new provisional license holders be paired with experienced teachers during their first year, fostering an environment of support and professional development.

Summary

Assembly Bill 640 introduces a pathway for individuals who have worked as paraprofessionals in schools to obtain a provisional teaching license. The bill outlines that candidates must have worked for at least three days a week in a classroom for one school year and receive recommendations from school authorities including the principal and the district administrator. This license is specifically designed to help integrate individuals who have experience in an educational setting into teaching roles, addressing potential teacher shortages.

Contention

Notably, some members of the education community may have concerns regarding the standards and requirements for a lifetime teaching license derived from this provisional license. Critics may argue that while the intent of the bill is to ease entry into the teaching profession, it could potentially lower overall teaching standards if not implemented with rigorous oversight. Furthermore, the bill's reliance on local school districts to endorse candidates might lead to inconsistencies in applicant evaluations, resulting in disparities across the state.