On June 12 the State Board of Education approved final proposals to remove a generic master’s‑degree requirement for reading/writing and math specialist endorsements, and engaged in an extended discussion of teacher‑licensure pathways, renewal rates and district hiring dynamics.

The rule amendments remove a stand‑alone master’s‑degree prerequisite while retaining competency and experience requirements, subject‑matter testing and program competencies. Board members and staff explained that the rest of the rule requires candidates to demonstrate specific skills and three years of classroom teaching experience; the change eliminates what staff called a largely superfluous proxy requirement that a candidate hold any master’s degree in addition to demonstrated competencies.

Why it matters: The change is intended to broaden the pool of candidates eligible for specialist endorsements by allowing experienced, credentialed teachers who meet exam and competency requirements — but do not hold a master’s degree — to qualify. Board members said the rule keeps protections for student learning by keeping subject‑matter tests and documented competencies.

What the board heard on workforce and pathways: Department staff reported that the licensed population increased from about 27,000 to about 29,000 over seven years and that alternative (site‑based) pathways are producing roughly half of new licensees in recent cohorts. Board members and staff discussed longevity, retention and the need for districts to use compensation and recruitment strategies to retain licensed staff, particularly in high‑demand fields such as special education and STEM.

Formal action: The board voted to approve final‑proposal language removing the master’s requirement for both reading/writing and math specialist endorsements. Members emphasized that candidates still must meet the rule’s detailed competencies and pass subject‑matter tests where applicable.

Ending: Staff indicated they will monitor renewals and efficacy measures (including candidate renewal and effectiveness proxies) and requested periodic updates to the board on pipeline, retention and effectiveness measures.