AUGUSTA - Rep. Art Bell, D-Yarmouth, introduced legislation Tuesday that would help to address the state's teacher shortage by allowing the Commissioner of Education, in certain circumstances, to waive or grant an extension for teaching requirements.
LD 712 would allow the commissioner to grant an extension of a conditional teaching certification in the case of extenuating circumstances or waive the requirement for a teaching certificate if an individual seeking the certificate holds a National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). NBPTS is a national organization that certifies teachers who successfully complete its certification process.
"Maine is currently experiencing a significant teacher shortage," said Bell. "This workforce challenge is having a real impact on our families and the futures of our children. Allowing the Commissioner of Education to waive or grant an extension for teaching requirements under these circumstances would help alleviate this issue and allow us to fill current gaps in our educator workforce."
Bell's legislation was part of a trio of bills introduced before the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee on Tuesday that aim to reduce Maines teacher shortage. LD 335, which would increase response times for educator certification, and LD 753, which would make it easier for former teachers and educational technicians who have retired to get their certifications renewed under certain conditions, were both introduced by Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk.
"Maine has a teacher shortage, and that problem has only been made worse over the last few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Sen. Rafferty. "It is incumbent upon us as legislators to pull every lever we can to address this issue. While there is more to do, I am hopeful that my bills, in tandem with Rep. Bells, can steer us in the right direction."
The committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Bell is serving his second term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents District 103, which includes Yarmouth. He serves on the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Bell], c. 305-965-2744