Knowing subject doesn't mean you can relay it, officials say

Indiana is planning changes to the requirements for becoming a teacher by making it easier for professionals with experience in their field to get into the classroom.

Local school districts still prefer to hire teachers with backgrounds in education. But the changes could help them find qualified candidates for some high school courses, such as chemistry or physics, officials said.

The changes, which could go into effect as early as the spring, would allow someone with a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA to obtain a teaching job as long as they pass the course’s certification exam.

So, for example, if a scientist working for an area medical company decided they wanted to change careers and teach high school chemistry, they wouldn’t be required to enroll in a college-level teaching course first. They would get an adjunct permit, good for five years, and would need to participate in professional development at their school or in a college-level teaching program to teach them what they need to know about.

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