Missouri, like many states, has a shortage of teachers in certain fields of study. Governor Matt Blunt signed a bill into law Thursday that's supposed to expand teacher certification options in the state, offering a faster, cheaper route to teaching. This new certification process is designed specifically for mid-career professionals. In this Education Report, KRCG's Mallory McGowin investigates how the bill could impact the quality of education in Missouri classrooms.
The new teacher certification option is offered by the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, or ABCTE. Missouri is the eighth state to recognize the non-profit group's "Passport to Teaching" program as a route to state teacher certification. Proponents say the program addresses teacher shortages in certain areas of study while giving professionals looking for a career change a great opportunity.
ABCTE offers certification in English, math, general science, biology, physics, and chemistry. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, but it can be in any field. Within one year of enrolling in the "Passport to Teaching" program, applicants must take their final exams. They must demonstrate mastery in both their teaching skills and their subject area.
Governor Blunt says the current system of alternative certification of professionals who want to teach is too restrictive. But, some in the education field say Missouri's standards for certification are there for a reason.
"My concern is that without having perhaps all of the rigors that you go through with the teacher certification program, is that going to lessen the quality of the instruction that's going on in the classroom?" says Tipton Superintendent of Schools Robert Brinkley.
Brinkley worries that professionals not previously in the education field might not master the art of teaching and instruction. State officials say the ABCTE program addresses teacher skills effectively. Jim Morris, the Public Information Director at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, says teaching ability is also a question for new traditionally trained teachers.
"They'll have to have support from their schools," says Morris. "They have to be mentored. They're going to have to pick the brains of their colleagues and figure out what works and what doesn't. But that's really no different than what any new teacher goes through."
Because of the extra teaching skills required, ABCTE does not offer certification in special education, early childhood education, or elementary education.
Brinkley tells Mallory he believes addressing teacher pay could be a more long-term solution to teacher shortage issues.
ABCTE is planning a tour of free teacher recruitment events in Missouri in July. Professionals in the Heart of Missouri can look for the "Passport to Teaching" program application in the coming weeks on the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website. That's dese.mo.gov.
