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Compromise Announced On Minn. Teacher Licensing

By Bruce Hagevik, NewsRadio 830 WCCO

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and the Republican-controlled legislature have agreed on a plan allowing alternative teacher licensing in the state. But the state's major teachers' union is opposed.

"We're disappointed in it because we don't think there's enough protection to keep the standards high," said Education Minnesota president Tom Dooher.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Bruce Hagevik Reports

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Under the compromise, non-traditional teachers with expertise in their field would be allowed in the classroom even if they haven't had teacher training. It's a trend being seen elsewhere around the nation.

"We just think it makes sense that if you're going to teach math, you should have a degree in math," said Dooher.

He said Education Minnesota sees value in alternative pathways into teaching but says this approach lowers the standard.

Capitol observers say the decision shows the DFL governor and Republican legislature can reach a compromise on certain issues.

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