The Arizona Legislature could soon approve changes to the teacher certification process by allowing more people without regular training to become classroom teachers.
The Republican-backed proposal has already passed the Senate and was given initial approval after a House debate Monday.
Proponents say the changes are designed to address a shortage of classroom instructors, but Democrats object, saying it will allow unqualified people to teach and will do little to impact the teacher shortage.
The proposal expands a 2017 law that allows people with experience in the private sector to get a “subject-matter certificate” to teach grades 6-12. The new proposal will allow them to also teach kindergarten through 5th graders.
It now moves to the House for a formal vote.