CONCORD, NH – Today, the New Hampshire Senate passed HB 1298 as amended by a voice vote. This bill would lower standards for teachers by creating an uncertified “Part-Time Teacher” who can teach in public schools provided they work less than 30 hours a week, pass a criminal history record check, and are subject to the educator code of conduct. There is no time limit to this status or requirement for a path to certification, traditional or alternative, where a teacher could receive feedback, support, or professional development.
HB 1298 now goes back to the House for a vote to determine if the House will concur, non-concur, or request a committee of conference.
Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, provided the following statement after the vote:
“Studies have shown that teacher quality is the most powerful indicator of student achievement within the school. New Hampshire teachers are professionals who have undergone high-quality education programs, whether “traditional” or alternative pathways, that help build the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively serve their students. But HB 1298 would allow anyone to be a part-time teacher without training or professional development, with no time limit to this status or requirement for a path to licensure.
While New Hampshire is grappling with a teacher shortage issue, this bill is misguided and will negatively impact Granite State students by lowering standards for teachers in our public schools.”
Background:
- Studies have shown that teacher quality is the most powerful indicator of student achievement within the school. The effect of a high-quality teacher can be as much as one grade level in annual achievement growth. High-quality and effective teachers are well-versed in teaching methods, learning theory, child development, assessment, and their content area.
- High-quality preparatory programs, whether it is a “traditional” program or alternative pathways like Grow-Your-Own programs, help future teachers build the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively serve their students.
- In Texas, a new state law has resulted in more unlicensed new teachers being hired than licensed ones; in rural and small-town schools, almost 75% of new teachers hired in 2023-24 were unlicensed.
- Further, uncertified teachers leave the profession at a higher rate than certified teachers. Approximately 30% of uncertified teachers leave the profession within a five-year span compared to 15% of certified teachers.
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About NEA-New Hampshire
NEA-New Hampshire is the largest union of public employees in the state. Founded in 1854, the New Hampshire State Teachers Association became one of the “founding ten” state education associations that formed the National Education Association in 1857. Known today as NEA-NH, our mission to advocate for the children of New Hampshire and public-school employees, and to promote lifelong learning, remains true after more than 165 years. Our members are public school employees in all stages of their careers, including classroom teachers and other certified professionals, staff and instructors at public higher education institutions, students preparing for a teaching career, education support personnel and those retired from the profession.