LANSING, Mich. (June 24, 2021) — Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) and Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) today introduced legislation that would create a track for paraprofessionals to become classroom teachers.
Senate Bills 567 and 568, sponsored by Sens. Polehanki and Geiss, respectively, would create two different tracks for paraprofessionals to become teachers. The bills outline a route for paraprofessionals to get their teacher certification, whether they have an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or no degree at all, and allows them to use their classroom experience to do a limited-term study, rather than a full education program.
“Many paraprofessional educators would make outstanding teachers because of the firsthand experience they have with our students, and they understand the rigors of working in a classroom,” said Sen. Polehanki, a former teacher and teacher of the year award recipient. “It’s clear that a teacher shortage has arrived in Michigan and will continue to get worse. My bill will streamline the process by which paraprofessionals can earn their teaching certificate, so that all students can have a high-quality teacher in their classroom.”
For years, Michigan has struggled with a looming teacher shortage. In February 2020, before the pandemic, the Michigan Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers released a report that revealed newly issued teacher certificates were down nearly 25% between the 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 school years. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the problem, with teachers now retiring faster than they can be replaced.
“For years, Michigan teachers have left the classroom faster than our ability to recruit more of them, so it’s time we create an opportunity for caring and capable paraprofessionals to become teachers themselves,” Sen. Geiss said. “These bills will not only create a path for paraprofessionals to make their way to the front of the classroom, but they will also provide parents with the comfort knowing there is an experienced teacher serving as a role model for students.”
Senate Bills 567 and 568 are companion bills to House Bills 4368 and 4369, introduced by Reps. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) and Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), respectively. The bills have been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee and the House Workforce, Trades, and Talent Committee.
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