Legislative auditor to examine state teaching board

Published 1:54 pm Saturday, May 2, 2015

ST. PAUL — Minnesota’s teaching board is getting a look from the state’s legislative auditor.

The board handles appeals from would-be educators denied Minnesota teaching licenses. It’s come under scrutiny at the Capitol this year from Republicans and Democrats alike. Some lawmakers and advocates say the board’s policies keep qualified teachers out of classrooms.

A handful of teachers sued the board last month, claiming it doesn’t adequately recognize out-of-state teaching experience. The GOP-led House fast-tracked a proposal this session to streamline the licensing process for such candidates, but any changes will need support from Gov. Mark Dayton and the DFL-led Senate as well.

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The legislative auditor’s office plans to finish its work in time for the 2016 legislative session. The scope of the audit has yet to be determined.