Senate advances bill on teacher training

A bill that would make it easier for experts in their field to become teachers passed the Senate on a second reading Thursday.

SB48 will be heard one more time in the Senate before heading to the House for potentially more debate.

Bill sponsor Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, would like to see the teacher application process streamlined so people don't have to go back to school for years and earn a teaching certificate in order to share their expertise in the classroom.

"This is long past due," Buttars said, pointing to the teacher shortage issue.

SB48 states in order to teach, a person would only have to apply to the Utah State Office of Education, pass a criminal background check, have certain education or certification, and demonstrate competency in their subject area by passing a test or completing coursework or demonstrating skills, talent and ability.

Right now there are generally a few ways a person can become a teacher in Utah. They can go the traditional route and earn a teaching degree. They could show competency in their field and be recommended by a school district. There is also the state's "Alternative Routes to Licensure" program in which people take a few teaching courses and show content knowledge in their field. (See more at deseretnews.com)

— Amy K. Stewart