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School administrators almost on board with new skilled trades legislation

Some state lawmakers want more skilled trade and technical education in Michigan schools.

   But schools aren’t on board yet.

School administrators are overall positive about bringing more skilled trades education into their classrooms. They like the variety it gives students.

   Peter Spadafore is with the Michigan Association of School Administrators.

“This, I see, as an opportunity to have a thoughtful policy discussion and actually craft some legislation that could really change some lives.”

   But Spadafore is concerned about letting professionals teach students without a teaching certificate – which one bill would allow. he says the professionals wouldn’t necessarily need to get a typical teaching certificate – which can take years. But they want to make sure the professionals know how to be educators.