City Cast Madison Why Are So Many Teachers On Emergency Licenses in Madison?
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Feb 3, 2025 Michael Jones, president of Madison Teachers, Inc., dives into the significant issue of teacher shortages in Madison. He discusses the growing trend of hiring educators on temporary emergency licenses, allowing individuals with bachelor’s degrees to step into classrooms. Jones highlights the potential decline in educational standards and the strain on current teachers. He also explores the diversity this approach could bring, while addressing concerns about retention and the need for systemic reforms to support these educators better.
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Teacher Shortage in MMSD
- MMSD needs more teachers, especially due to chronic underfunding of public schools.
- This underfunding has created a teacher shortage, exacerbated by increased burnout and turnover.
Emergency Licenses Explained
- Emergency licenses allow those with bachelor's degrees in any subject to teach while pursuing full certification.
- Roughly 300 teachers, about 10% of MMSD's workforce, currently hold these licenses.
Michael Jones's Experience
- Michael Jones started his teaching career with an emergency license in Milwaukee in 2009.
- Emergency licenses have been used for a while, especially in urban districts for special education, ESL, and sometimes math and science.