The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 526, seeks to amend existing laws regarding the qualifications of teachers at private schools participating in parental choice programs in Wisconsin. Currently, all teachers at these schools must possess a teaching license issued by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) or hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution. The bill introduces new provisions that allow individuals holding a substitute teacher permit issued by DPI to substitute teach at these private schools, thereby expanding the pool of available educators.

Specifically, the bill amends sections 118.60 and 119.23 of the statutes to include new language that permits individuals with a substitute teacher permit to teach at private schools under the conditions of their permit. The amendments also clarify that the requirement for teachers to have a teaching license or a higher degree remains in effect, but now includes exceptions for those with substitute teacher permits. This change aims to provide greater flexibility in staffing for private schools participating in the Milwaukee, Racine, and statewide parental choice programs.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 118.60(2)(a)6.a, 118.60, 119.23(2)(a)6.a, 119.23