Teachers may soon have to pass a civics exam to earn their license
The proposed Tennessee Civics Education Act adds a civics test to teacher licensing. (Allen G. Breed/AP Photo file)
A bill in the Tennessee General Assembly would require prospective teachers to pass a civics exam as part of their licensing requirements.
Proponents said the bill, also called the Tennessee Civics Education Act, ensures educators understand the processes of American democracy, while detractors fear it adds another hurdle for those who wish to teach in the Volunteer State.
“It doesn’t really seem germane to a teaching license,” said Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, at a Senate Education Committee last month. “My only concern is that teachers already have a lot of things and steps they have to take for licensure.”
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Noah McLane
Noah McLane reports on the state house for The Daily Memphian. He was born and raised in Tennessee and attended journalism school at Middle Tennessee State University, where his passion for community-focused storytelling began.
Prior to writing for The Daily Memphian, Noah was the editor-in-chief of his college newspaper, worked on general assignment for the Jackson Hole News & Guide in Jackson, Wyoming, and was most recently an editorial intern at the Nashville Scene.
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