Controversial “tiered licensing’ on table in Idaho

Proposed three-tiered licensing in Idaho has teachers in an uproar. The proposal would start with a novice license for teachers’ first three years in teaching, followed by a five-year, professional license if they meet specific goals for student achievement and high quality performance. and a master license for experienced teachers that perform their duties at a high level.

Such proposals have been anathema in other professions, and at a mutinous Board of Education public hearing on October 21, sentiment of teachers and principals was unanimous against the proposal.

State Board member Rod Lewis said he expects a plan to be finalized by the 2015 Legislature, but adjustments to the proposal would undoubtedly have to be made.