Bill > LD1357

This bill directs the State Board of Education to create two new pathways for industrial arts teachers to obtain certification or endorsement. Specifically, the bill requires the board to establish rules for a conditional certificate and an endorsement on a teaching certificate for industrial arts, which includes areas like automotive body repair, welding, electrical work, carpentry, and computer-aided design. To qualify for the conditional certificate, an applicant must meet at least one of three requirements: complete a registered apprenticeship, earn a two-year degree or certificate from an accredited technical institution, or have at least 36 months of paid work or teaching experience in a career and technical area, including a minimum of 12 months at a supervisory level within the past five years. The endorsement would be separate from other existing teaching endorsements, and the rules developed to implement these pathways will be classified as major substantive rules, meaning they will require additional legislative review and approval. The goal of the bill appears to be creating more flexible routes for professionals with industrial arts expertise to become certified teachers.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1357&snum=132