Charter schools would have more freedom to train teachers and get them certified under a bill filed this week in the Florida House.
Key state lawmakers have eyed teacher certification rules, saying it should be easier for schools to hire “subject matter experts” who didn’t get an education degree in college, but can prove they’re competent in the classroom. They’ve also heard testimony from national charter school networks who feel the same way.
Florida already gives teachers alternative ways to earn a teaching certificate. They can receive a temporary credential, then work their way toward a full-fledged certificate after completing a training program offered by their local school district and passing state certification exams.
HB 1111 would expand those options. It would allow charter schools and charter management companies to create their own training programs. The training programs would have to be approved by the state Department of Education, and would have to include on-the-job mentoring from more experienced teachers.
Teachers who finish the training programs could get a professional teaching certificate if they’re rated “highly effective” on their performance evaluations and meet other requirements spelled out in state law – holding a bachelor’s degree, showing mastery of the subject they teach, passing the state’s general knowledge exam and clearing background checks.
The measure is sponsored by Rep. Rene Plasencia, R-Orlando, who is a public school teacher.
