Lawmakers Seem Set to OK Out-of-State Teachers

Aug. 13–RALEIGH – State lawmakers were expected to pass a bill that would let teachers with licenses from other states fill empty teaching slots this fall.

But Gov. Mike Easley might veto the bill, arguing it weakens the state’s tough teaching standards.

The bill would allow teachers deemed “highly qualified” in other states to teach in N.C. classrooms without taking a test called the Praxis that’s required in North Carolina.

The Senate approved the legislation 45-4 during a late-night session Friday. The House passed a similar version of the bill unanimously, and will have to sign off on minor changes. Then Easley would have to decide whether to sign or veto the legislation.

The change could help fill 99 slots in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools this fall, said Rep. Becky Carney, a Charlotte Democrat who is one of the bill’s sponsors.

Some veteran teachers consider it burdensome and insulting to have to take the N.C. exam.

Backers of the bill, including CMS officials, say students would be better off with the out-of-state teachers than they are now. Substitute teachers, some with only a high school education, can end up teaching classes all year.

“They all recognize the fact we need teachers right now — teachers who are certified,” Carney said of the bill’s supporters.

Easley, who doesn’t typically air his views on pending bills, criticized the teacher legislation when it was drafted in March.

His office declined to comment further on the bill Friday.

N.C. school districts need 10,000 to 11,000 new teachers each year, because of population growth. Universities in the state graduate about 3,200 teachers annually, and only 2,200 of those graduates end up teaching in N.C. classrooms.

Lawmakers and the governor agree the state needs to find additional teachers and have worked together to help with the shortage.

For instance, the governor applauded when the state House and Senate passed a budget this week that will make it easier for community colleges to help workers in other professions become teachers.

The scheduled vote on the teacher bill Friday was one of about 100 senators tried to pass in a flurry as they prepared to end their work for the year.

Senate leaders hope to finish the bulk of their work today — including a vote on a state lottery if they can corral the votes — and plan to return to Raleigh once or twice more before going home for good.

House members, if they stick to their plan, would basically take next week off and return for a few more days before concluding their work.

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