Minnesota lawmakers are reviewing legislation involving controversial teacher licensure changes now adopted, an issue with potential local implications in West Seventh.
The overhaul of the teaching standards is necessary because "a teacher must have a foundational understanding of how race and racism are embedded in our institutions and everyday life." The most concerning changes are in the Standards of Effective Practice, which teacher candidates completing an initial teacher licensure program in Minnesota and teachers seeking an initial Tier 3 license via the portfolio process will have to meet.
The new Standards of Effective Practice go into effect April 15, 2023. According to PELSB, teachers seeking an initial Tier 3 license via portfolio can continue using the old standards through July 1, 2025.
The changes drew overwhelming public opposition and even received national attention. According to PELSB, the overhaul of the teaching standards is necessary because “a teacher must have a foundational understanding of how race and racism are embedded in our institutions and everyday life.” Examples of what affected educators will be required to demonstrate include: As the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) Twin Cities aptly puts it, there are two overarching features of these changes that make them so concerning: To find out more about those directly impacted by these politicized training requirements, check out this helpful explainer.
Catrin’s experience in education and policy research began during her time with the Young Leaders Program at The Heritage Foundation.
Her interest in education policy led her to spend two years teaching 5th grade general education and 6th grade Latin in Arizona as a Teach for America corps member.
She then used her classroom experience to transition back into education policy work at the California Policy Center before joining American Experiment in February 2017.
Catrin graduated summa cum laude from Azusa Pacific University in California, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
As the measure advances, residents of West Seventh can follow amendments and contact Dave Pinto regarding the final language.
Article Source: Alpha News: “Controversial teacher licensure changes now adopted”
