Indiana Approves Controversial 'Career Specialist' Teaching Permit

(CBS) -- The Indiana State Board of Education has stirred a lively debate after opening the door for those without teacher's licenses to get jobs teaching high school classes.

WBBM Newsradio's Mike Krauser reports Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz opposed the career specialist permit approved by the state board on Thursday, by a 7-3 vote.

The permit would allow college graduates with a B average in any subject to teach that subject to high school students, after passing an exam. In addition, career specialists must have 6,000 hours – or three years – professional experience in their field.

Ritz tried to derail the effort before it passed on Friday.

"I didn't see the need for another way to enter the field of teaching that actually was going to have less standards," she said.

Ritz said good grades and knowledge of a subject does not mean someone can teach that subject to children.

"You can have content knowledge, but if you don't have the skills to know how to teach children, your content's not going to be worth too much," Ritz said.

Warsaw Area Career Center Principal Ronna Kawsky told WSBT-TV, "whether you're a career specialist, or you're a trained educator, the value isn't any different."

Teachers begged to differ, saying the move dilutes their profession.

Supporters said it opens the door to talented and knowledgeable professionals.