I've written a number of posts about SB 1042, which created a new Subject Matter Expert Standard Teaching Certificate. But recently I realized I was so wrapped up in the details of the bill, I missed the big picture, which is that, thanks to the new law, education courses, teacher training and student teaching are now optional for public school teachers. You could even say they're even a waste of time and money. Teaching in Arizona has been officially de-professionalized. People can now get a standard teaching certificate with nothing more than a bachelors degree in a subject taught in middle or high school. Or if they've worked in a relevant field for five years, all they need is a high school diploma or a GED, or less. If a school district is willing to hire them, they immediately become full-fledged teachers who can work until retirement without ever taking an education class or having their subject matter proficiency formally assessed.

The standard definition of "profession" is a paid occupation that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification. Doctors fit that definition. So do lawyers. Teachers also make the cut when they're required to take relevant coursework and go through training in the field of education along with demonstrating a proficiency in the subject matter they will be teaching. But when all Arizona teachers need is a bachelors degree, or a high school diploma or GED plus some work experience, they no longer qualify as professionals.

But we had to do something to combat teacher shortages, right? That's what Ducey and Republican state legislators tell us: necessity was the mother of the new certification rules. The problem is, that's simply not true. The mother of SB 1042 is the conservative desire to devalue, degrade and dismantle public education.

Before the new law, Arizona's public schools already were able to hire teachers with minimal education and training if they needed to. People could teach with nothing more than a bachelors degree by getting an Emergency Teaching Certificate, which is good for a year and can be renewed by taking a few education courses. People could also teach with nothing more than a high school diploma or a GED by getting an Emergency Substitute Certificate, though with that certificate they can only teach 120 days, not a full school year. It can be renewed with a little coursework in any subject.

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Day 16

Ariano, Italy

I've been to many cities in Italy, but, Ariano has its own special, unique charm, much like how Tucson isn't really like the rest of Arizona, or like how Austin isn't like the rest of Texas.


After being fleeced in Turin, we were elated that our next stop after Ravenna was Ariano.
Some of you may remember last year, when Air Malta left my suitcase in Milan and didn't lift a finger to find it, after 11 days. Ariano is where I was reunited with my clothes.

It's a smaller community than most, but has a giant heart. It's in the hills, with the narrowest streets you've ever seen. Not the easiest place to find, even with GPS. Long story short, we feel at home there.

When the cities start to blur, it's great to discover someplace truly special. So, it is with Ariano.

Arrivederci, bellissima, Ariano.