Madison – Rep. Joy Goeben (R-Hobart) shared the following statement in response to Governor Evers’ veto of Senate Bill 424, which would have created an alternative pathway for student teachers to complete state certification requirements:
“Even though he holds himself up as the “education governor”, Governor Evers is clearly not serious about helping ease the teacher shortage in our state. Senate Bill 424 would have gotten state certified teachers in the classroom faster, easing the shortage and relieving the burden of overcrowded, understaffed classrooms for districts around the state. Instead, he chose to keep the status quo despite broad support from school superintendents around the state.
“This legislation would have had an impactful change for schools and student teachers. Districts could have participated on a VOLUNTARY basis, and student teachers could have completed the exact same requirements in their teacher-preparation programs through either a full semester or a full summer session.
“I am disappointed the governor chose to a veto a bill that had wide support in both the Assembly and Senate. In vetoing this bill, Governor Evers is hindering our schools, sending a mixed message to those individuals who are seeking to become teachers to make a difference, and ultimately hurting our kids,” concluded Rep. Goeben.
