Gov. Doug Ducey has signed a bill into law that allows those without bachelor’s degrees to start teaching in the state’s public schools. Supporters say it’ll boost teacher recruitment in a time when major staff shortages are hampering many districts in the state.
The new law is designed to let teachers begin their classroom careers while still working on their college educations. It only requires that a prospective teacher be enrolled in a degree program in order to be hired.
According to the governor’s office, the law gives Arizona’s K–12 public schools more options in recruiting teachers and administrative staff. The bill’s sponsor, Sun City Republican Sen. Rick Gray, says there’s an urgent need for more teachers in the state and the law opens the door for additional educators.
Critics, however, say it waters down teaching requirements and puts less qualified people in the classroom. It’s opposed by the Arizona Education Association that says the measure would de-professionalize teachers in the state. According to Phoenix Democratic Rep. Kelli Butler, the most effective way to address the teacher shortage is to increase pay and reduce class sizes.
