Arizona Relaxes Teacher Standards

In a move the governor says will help the state deal with a growing teacher shortage, he signed legislation Tuesday easing the requirements for someone to become a teacher in the state. This is a second education for Governor Doug Ducey who, last month, signed a bill greatly expanding education vouchers in the state.

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The governor says the new law allows principals to make hiring decisions for their school. He says that it also means that "highly-qualified professionals who have significant experience in a subject matter, possess a higher education degree, and have passed a background check to be certified to teach."

The current law allows for experts in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields to become teachers by getting a specialized teaching certificate.

The new law expands that include experts in other subject matters who have a higher education degree, have taught a relevant course for at least the past two years, and have at least five years experience working in a relevant field.

"Today’s legislation is a win for schools, teachers, and students," said Ducey. "No longer will an outdated process keep qualified, dedicated individuals out of the classroom.

"Instead, principals will now be empowered to make hiring decisions and attract the best individuals to serve our students."

Democrats had opposed the bill, saying that relaxing standards was not the answer; that the state should be focused on investing more in its schools.

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