Governor Kelly Ayotte has signed House Bill 90 into law, permitting unlicensed part-time teachers to work in New Hampshire’s public schools. The decision has sparked concerns about the potential impact on education quality.
Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, expressed her concerns regarding the new legislation: “All New Hampshire students deserve access to a high-quality education, regardless of their zip code. Unfortunately, Kelly Ayotte’s signature on a bill to allow unlicensed part-time teachers in our state’s public schools could negatively impact the education that students receive.”
Tuttle emphasized that teacher quality is crucial for student achievement and noted that New Hampshire teachers typically undergo rigorous training programs. She argued that the state’s inadequate school funding system should not lead to lowering teaching standards. “For school districts with fewer resources,” she said, “this law could incentivize administrators to hire uncertified and untrained temporary fill-in educators rather than licensed teachers who are invested in the school community and their students.”
Highlighting the importance of teaching as more than just a job, Tuttle stated: “New Hampshire should be working to ensure anyone who becomes an educator is ready to reach, teach, and inspire students with the resources, mentoring, and support they need but this new law undermines our profession and undermines public education in the Granite State.”
The NEA-New Hampshire remains committed to advocating for children and public-school employees while promoting lifelong learning. Founded in 1854 as the New Hampshire State Teachers Association, it became one of the founding members of what is now known as NEA-NH.
