Legislature moving to add new teacher certification paths

(KYMA, KECY/ AP News) - The Arizona legislature could soon approve changes to the teacher certification process designed to address a shortage of classroom instructors.

The Republican-backed proposal, which would allow more people without regular teacher training to lead a class, has already passed the Senate.

It was given initial approval after a vigorous House debate over objections from Democrats, who said it will allow unqualified people to teach.

The change comes off the heels of a 2017 ruling which initially limited the rule to grades 6-12. Now, it removes the grade restrictions and would allow someone with outside experience and a college degree to also teach Kindergarten through grade 5.

Arizona, like many other states, has an ongoing teacher shortage and backers say the proposal is one more tool to address that problem.