Under the proposed system established by SB 1212, the HTSB will license teachers and hold the employer accountable for hiring individuals who are properly licensed. This accountability system is consistent with other accountability measures taking place in P-12 and higher education. It is also consistent with licensing processes of other professions. Attorneys, physicians, and other professionals are licensed by professional licensing boards not by employers such as law firms or hospitals. The creation of professional teaching licensing boards with full authority to establish standards, issue licenses, revoke licenses, renew licenses, and approve preparation programs, is a national movement begun over a decade ago.
Today there are many states with such boards.
The movement is grounded in the belief that the teaching profession, like other professions, should govern itself and should hold employers responsible for hiring individuals who are properly prepared. The public is well served by professions that are strong in their attempts to ensure high standards for preparation and professional conduct. The approval of professional preparation programs is also a responsibility assumed by the professions. One other issue should be noted. Under the proposed system any individual who meets the standards, including those who teach in independent schools or individuals who, for whatever reason, chose not to teach at the present time, may be licensed.