`Expert' teacher bill fails in House

A bill that would have made it easier for experts in their field to teach in the classroom, failed in the House on Wednesday with a 17 to 49 vote.

Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, sponsor of SB48, wanted 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.

Rep. Kory Holdaway, R-Taylorsville, spoke strongly against the bill during Wednesday's floor debate.

"I think it dilutes the profession," Holdaway said. "This goes counter to … having highly qualified teachers in front of students. It's a bad bill."

Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Salt Lake, called the bill a bad idea that could ruin Utah's reputation. "It's a dangerous concept to think that we can practice on kids," she said.

SB48 stated, 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.

The bill had previously cleared the Senate, 18 to 10.

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