State superintendent challenges proposed guidelines on revoking teacher certification

LANSING (WXYZ) - New guidelines that would make it easier to revoke a teacher’s certification are being challenged by the state superintendent.

The Michigan Department of Education is proposing guidelines that would allow a teacher’s certification to be revoked following three years in a row of ineffective ratings.

A revoked license for the teacher would make it impossible to secure another teaching job in Michigan. Experts say it would be difficult for them to find a job in another state as well.

State Superintendent Mike Flanagan is opposed to the changes saying, “While I feel that it is vitally important that every teacher be effective in the classroom, everyone deserves a chance to improve and become effecting in the most appropriate and support situations,” in a press release Wednesday.

The Department of Education will hold hearings on the new proposed guidelines:

Tuesday, November 1, 2011
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Ramada Lansing Hotel and Conference Center – Waverly Room
7501 West Saginaw Highway
Lansing, MI 48917

Wednesday, November 9, 2011
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Kent ISD/Career-Technical Center
2930 Knapp, SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Wednesday, November 16, 2011
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Wayne RESA Annex Building - Auditorium
5454 Venoy
Wayne, MI 48184

Citizens who wish to participate in video-conferencing hearings may provide comment at the following locations:

Thursday, November 3, 2011
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Marquette-Alger ISD
321 East Ohio Street
Marquette, MI 49855

Thursday, November 3, 2011
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) ISD
315 Armory Place
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Oral or written comments may be presented in person at the hearing or submitted in writing by mail, email, or facsimile no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 30, 2011.

Public Comment
Office of Professional Preparation Services
Michigan Department of Education
P. O. Box 30008
Lansing, MI 48909
Email: oppspubliccomment@michigan.gov
Fax: 517-373-0542