Resolve, To Establish a Study Group To Review the Teacher Certification Process

Sec. 1. Commissioner of Education to create a study group on reviewing teacher certification. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Education shall establish a study group to review the complete teacher certification process and recommend ways to streamline and simplify the process and reduce the time needed for certification, with particular focus on certification for individuals without degrees in education, and to design a system that allows prior work experience and alternate education to satisfy all or a portion of core certification credit requirements. The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall invite the participation of a representative of the University of Maine System with a background in education, a representative of private colleges with a background in education, a representative of the Maine Education Association, a representative from the Maine School Superintendents Association, a member of the State Board of Education, 2 currently active teachers and 2 currently active principals. The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall serve as chair of the study group; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 7, 2011, the Commissioner of Education shall report the results of the study under section 1 along with any recommended legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. The committee may submit a bill related to the report to the Second Regular Session of the 125th Legislature.

summary

This resolve directs the Commissioner of Education to establish a study group to review the teacher certification process and recommend ways to streamline and simplify the process and reduce the time needed to receive certification as a teacher with particular emphasis on certification for individuals without degrees in education. The commissioner is required to report the results of the study undertaken by the study group along with any recommended legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.