Kansas officials say the state is hearing from people interested in new teaching license regulations that would allow some people to teach without having education degrees.
The changes taking effect Tuesday are aimed at making it easier for people with professional experience to fill teaching vacancies in math, science, technology and engineering.
Scott Myers, director of the teacher licensure and accreditation for the Kansas Department of Education, says about 100 people have inquired about the changes. However, only two have met the criteria, which include a degree in a related academic field and at least five years of professional experience.
The Kansas National Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, contends loosening the requirements will weaken the teaching profession and hurt the quality of education.
