A controversial proposal to use unlicensed teachers in Iowa classrooms was shot down by the State Board of Educational Examiners today.The pilot program would’ve let someone with a college degree — but not a teaching license — teach students about their particular area of expertise. It was prompted by a shortage of qualified sustitute teachers in some subject areas. The State Board of Educational Examiners voted 6-5 today to not go ahead with the trial program. Boardmembers expressed concern over how much of a role the so-called “classroom monitors” would play in the classroom. They also wondered whether the program would take jobs away from certified substitute teachers, and whether they would have enough training in working with students. The vote today was to kill the rules setting up the program, and boardmembers say it was the closest vote they’ve had in the past year.
