Dive Brief:
- Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad says the military exchange license program, which allows veterans and their families to receive technical and provisional teaching licenses, is effective.
- The bill aims to keep veterans working in the state once their service is over.
- In 2014, over 20 licenses were distributed to individuals, who can in turn teach for several years without having to immediately enroll in college for additional coursework.
Dive Insight:
While we recognize the hard work and commitment of those who serve their country, we're unsure if we fully understand this program. Just because a person serves in the military, does it mean they're qualified to teach? Would Iowa be just as willing to give out provisional and technical medical licenses? How about law licenses? The issue with this bill is it de-professionalizes the teaching field, which is already a problem.
Unfortunately, this trend is not new. In June, the Kansas State Board of Education approved (9-1) a proposal allowing individuals without education degrees to get teaching licenses. And in September, the Indiana State Board of Education voted in favor of a controversial teaching certification program that allows schools to hire nontraditional teachers.