Idaho’s Legislature is on the cusp of approving a relaxation of teaching standards. The bill, HO221, would allow anyone 18 or older who has a bachelor’s degree to teach school. No teaching certificate required.
No doubt there are many people who have those minimal qualifications who would make great teachers. Still, we need to recognize that teaching is a profession and those who have gone to the trouble of getting certified should not be told that effort was pointless.
Why the bill? Idaho has a teacher shortage. Gosh, do you think economics has anything to do with that? Legislators who are quick to espouse the wonders of the marketplace in business seem to forget about that when it comes to schools. Pay teachers more and you’ll take care of the “shortage.” Better wages might also convince those potentially great teachers who don’t have a teaching certificate to get one.
