Group pushing changes in teacher licensing to unveil ads

A group of DFL and Republican lawmakers will join school officials today to introduce new TV and radio ads in support of legislation allowing teachers to get certified more easily.

The legislation would allow a way for people without education degrees to become teachers without completing a second undergraduate degree.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty supports the idea, but the state's teachers union, Education Minnesota, believes it could bring down the quality of teachers in the state.

Education Minnesota is already running TV ads on the topic.

Supporters of the legislation say it will help narrow the achievement gap between white middle- and upper-class students and low-income students of color.

They also say it will allow programs like Teach for America to send more teachers to troubled schools in Minnesota.