Board Delays Vote On Unlicensed Teachers

The Kansas Board of Education delayed a vote on a proposal to allow unlicensed teachers in six of the state’s school districts.

The board planned to vote on a proposal to permit unlicensed personnel to teach in six districts known as innovative districts, which operate under reduced state education regulations. The districts were created in 2013 to allow new approaches to education, mostly in rural areas that struggle to attract teachers.

More than a dozen people spoke against the proposal Thursday. They argued the plan would lower professionalism in teaching and hurt students.

Supporters say the changes would allow innovation in education. But they said they were getting more input from members of the Board of Regents and deans of colleges of educations before going forward with the proposal.