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Committee approves lowering minimum age for associate teachers to 21 to expand pipeline
Summary
SB 28 would lower the minimum age for associate teachers from 25 to 21 to expand the teacher pipeline; the committee reported it favorably after testimony that the change would allow districts to hire qualified young adults enrolled in teacher-prep programs.
Senate Bill 28, carried in the House by Representative Brett Carver for Sen. McMath, would lower the statutory minimum age for associate teachers from 25 to 21. Supporters said the change would open a pathway for students enrolled in dual-enrollment or teacher-prep programs to join the workforce earlier and help address teacher shortages.
An education department official, Arthur Joe Furrion, told the committee that there are "just over two handfuls of associate teachers" currently and that lowering the age to 21 "significantly open(s) the door" for more recruits, though no precise statewide estimate was provided. Committee members urged staff to calculate ballpark figures before the measure reaches the floor. The committee reported the bill favorably by voice vote.
