Teacher licensing changes angers board

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - State School Superintendent Tony Bennett is recommending massive changes in teacher training and licensing.

But many members of the Indiana Professional Standards Board must approve those changes are outraged.

Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Bennett gave his plan to the board, which members are mostly teachers and school administrators.

They accused Bennett of blindsiding them with the document and expecting them to approve it without being given an opportunity for input.

One significant change would allow schools to hire principals and superintendents who didn't take courses in school administration.

"Oh my gosh, I couldn't imagine having to run a building without having that background, that foundational information and just having someone coming in off the streets so to speak," said Indiana Professional Standards Board Member Shernika Johnson.

Bennett argued that professionals such as business leaders could be qualified to run school corporations. The issue has been tabled until next month.