Senate Education Committee narrowly passes bill allowing adjunct teachers in early childhood classes

OKLAHOMA CITY — After an intense debate, a divided Senate Education Committee advanced a bill that would allow public schools to hire candidates with no college degree or training to teach early childhood classes.

House Bill 2125 passed in a 6-5 vote on Tuesday, despite opposition from the committee’s leadership. The legislation, which already passed the House, is now eligible for consideration by the full Senate.

Supporters of the bill advocated for increasing flexibility for school leaders struggling to staff classrooms amid a teacher shortage. Senators who voted against the bill warned there could be a long-term negative effect on students if they have an untrained adjunct teacher during their foundational years of schooling.

Senate Education Committee narrowly passes bill allowing adjunct teachers in early childhood classes • Oklahoma Voice