SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6331

BYSenators Metcalf, Bauer and Bailey

Studying teacher certification categories and provisions.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 22, 1990

Senate Staff:Susan Mosborg (786-7439)

AS OF JANUARY 22, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Many beginning teachers have limited opportunities to receive guidance and support from experienced teachers.  In addition, many experienced teachers face limited opportunities for career advancement.  It is suggested that a more graduated system of career advancement for teachers may attract persons to the teaching profession, provide valuable assistance to beginning teachers, and provide challenges and rewards to experienced teachers that will improve the educational setting for children. 

SUMMARY:

An advisory committee is created to conduct a comprehensive study of career ladders, teacher technicians, and master teachers.  Members are appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction representing groups, including but not limited to:  certificated staff from various grade levels, principals, educational service district superintendents, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

As part of the study, the advisory committee is directed to develop an Associate of Arts degree for "teacher technicians" who may teach only under the supervision of a certificated teacher.

The committee is also directed to recommend:  (1) requiring a one-year teaching internship for persons wishing to become teachers, to be completed after the second year of college and under the supervision of a certificated teacher; (2) creation of a certification category of "supervising teacher," in which supervising teachers with at least three years experience teach half-time and supervise other teachers half-time; (3) creation of a certification category of "master teacher," in which master teachers supervise beginning and "supervising" teachers and develop curricula; (4) requiring that teachers spend their first two years as certificated instructors teaching under the supervision of a "supervising" or "master" teacher; and (5) allowing certificated teachers with three years experience to use "teacher technicians" and teacher aides.

A report and recommendations to the Legislature are due by January 1, 1993, for implementation in the 1995-96 school year.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested