Teachers in Indiana normally go through four years of instruction in how to teach, then begin work on a master's degree once they are placed in charge of a classroom.
But the Indiana State Board of Education this month created an express lane to the classroom for people with three years of work experience, but no pedagogical training — no lessons in how to teach.
It may be summed up as putting someone in charge of a classroom and having that person learn how to teach as they go along.
Sure, they know the subject, but that's not the same as knowing how to teach.
Board member Tony Walker, of Gary, a Democrat, voted to keep the adjunct permit, just as he did in 2012 when then-Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett convinced the board to adopt it for the first time.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz recommended the adjunct teacher plan be dropped, but the board approved it anyway, by a 6-5 vote.
After further discussion, the board voted 8-3 to approve a suggestion by Gordon Hendry, an Indianapolis Democrat, to eliminate the requirement that the new teacher have a bachelor's degree and substitute relevant work experience.
The board decided the new teacher must complete appropriate education training within two years to maintain the "career specialist" permit.
The rule is not yet final. It is still subject to review by Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller and Gov. Mike Pence.
This board action should be negated.
It's important to have teachers who not only know the subject, but also how to teach.
Not everyone needs to go the traditional route to get a teaching license, but teach them how to teach before putting them in control of a classroom, not after.
And let's remember that teachers who earn a master's degree in education still are required to get continuing education, typically at their own expense, to make sure they stay on top of their game.
There seems to be a fundamental lack of fairness — to both the experienced, well-trained teacher and to the student — here.