Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB758

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/6/23
• Refer: 12/6/23
• Report Pass: 1/18/24
• Refer: 1/18/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

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

Impact

By allowing any organization to offer alternative teacher certification programs, AB758 is poised to enhance the pool of eligible candidates for teaching positions across Wisconsin. This could potentially lead to a more diverse range of teaching candidates who may bring various perspectives and experiences into the classroom. Furthermore, it may encourage for-profit organizations to enter the field of teacher preparation, which could foster competition and innovation in how teachers are trained.

Summary

Assembly Bill 758 proposes changes to the requirements for alternative teacher certification programs in Wisconsin. Currently, the law mandates that such programs be operated specifically by nonstock, nonprofit organizations. This bill seeks to remove that stipulation, allowing a broader range of organizations to operate alternative teacher certification programs. The legislative intent behind this change is to increase the number of individuals who can qualify for an initial teaching license and thereby address teacher shortages in the state.

Contention

Opponents of the bill might argue that loosening the requirements for teacher certification could lead to a decrease in the quality of teacher training programs. Critics may express concerns that teachers certified through less rigorous programs may not meet the same standards as those trained through established nonprofit organizations. Proponents, however, believe that increasing accessibility to teacher certification will ultimately benefit students by filling vacancies with qualified teachers who might not have pursued traditional pathways into education.