WTHR |Educators criticize Indiana teacher licensing changes

Educators criticize Indiana teacher licensing changes

Rich Van Wyk/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - A controversial new proposal could dramatically change who teaches Indiana children and how they are trained. The plan hit a room full of opposition Monday.

Most in the crowded inside the Indiana State Library and testifying in the public comment hearing found little they like in a proposal that radically changes the rules in the way teachers are educated and licensed.

The dean of Butler's College of Education demanded what she called "a do-over."

Ena Shelley insisted, "All of the citizens of Indiana deserve better than this proposal."

Educators delivered thousands of petitions opposing the plan, calling it "a slap in the face" and "a mockery"of the teaching profession.

Teacher Arthur Hochman said, "This legislation is an insult to them and tells them anyone can become a teacher."

One of the more controversial parts of the plan would make it easier for professionals other teachers to become teachers, even principals or school superintendents.

Another would demand future teachers learn more about their subject areas and spend less time studying the art and science of teaching.

Critics insist schools and students would suffer among them the State Superintendent's Association.

"You have to know how to teach," said John Ellis director of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents.

State School Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett is pushing for changes he insists will improve the quality of teachers, and give school districts the freedom they require to improve.

Roncalli High School's principal agrees. "It allows schools to get the teachers they want, the principals they want and the superintendents they want," said Charles Weisenbach.

The powerful Indiana State Teachers Association opposes much of the proposal, but supports some aspects of it.

Everyone appears to agree change is coming to Indiana classrooms, but the question is how much.

The Professional Standards Board is still considering the proposed changes. If approved, they would take effect in July of next year.

Most of the state's colleges and universities are not on board with changing their education curriculum. ISTA also wants to make sure teachers maintain control over their professional development.

Indiana Department of Education