Wisconsin Senate Bill SB742

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/8/23
• Refer: 12/8/23
• Report Pass: 2/5/24
• Engrossed: 2/13/24
• Refer: 2/14/24
• Enrolled: 2/27/24
• Chaptered: 3/26/24
• Passed: 3/26/24

Caption

An alternative teacher certification program for an initial license to teach.

Impact

The implications of SB742 are noteworthy. By allowing alternative certification programs to operate outside of the nonprofit framework, the bill opens the door for increased competition in teacher preparation. This change could result in a wider range of options for prospective teachers and could address teacher shortages by making it easier for more individuals to become licensed. Advocates for the bill argue that this flexibility will enhance the diversity of teaching methodologies and attract more candidates into the profession, addressing critical gaps in certain subject areas or underserved communities.

Summary

Senate Bill 742 proposes a significant amendment to the existing teacher certification process in Wisconsin. The bill seeks to remove the stipulation that alternative teacher certification programs must be operated by nonstock, nonprofit organizations. Currently, to obtain an initial teaching license, individuals must complete a certification program that meets specific criteria, primarily offered by nonprofit entities. This amendment aims to broaden the scope of who can provide alternative teacher certification, potentially allowing for a variety of programs to emerge, which may include for-profit entities or different organizational structures.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked discussion and some concern among educators and policy makers. Critics argue that removing the nonprofit requirement could lead to the proliferation of low-quality certification programs that do not meet educational standards, thereby jeopardizing the quality of education in Wisconsin. Opponents emphasize that nonprofit organizations often have a mission-oriented approach that prioritizes educational outcomes over profit, suggesting that this change might prioritize commercialization of teacher training at the expense of quality teaching. The balance between incentivizing diverse certification options and maintaining rigorous educational standards is at the heart of the contention surrounding the bill.