Tax money paying unlicensed teachers

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - About 3,000 teachers who taught children in Massachusetts last year that did not have the proper state credentials. 22News wanted to know why school districts state wide would allow this.

Each year, The State Department of Education issues waivers, which allow people to teach even through they don't have state credentials.

Dr. Alan Ingram, Springfield Superintendent of Schools said, "It allows us to put someone who has demonstrated to that point some initial skill and qualifications into the classroom. They are a stop gap measure to help us address our teacher needs."

Of the more than 3,000 waivers issued in Massachusetts, more than 160 were granted for Springfield.

A much larger city like Boston handed out 200. Yet, Dr. Alan Ingram did not think this number was very large considering just two years ago Springfield granted 400 waivers.

Dr. Alan Ingram said, "No I don't, I think proportionately in a perfect world we would like to have a fully qualified candidate for every position that we advertise."

The most common subject area for a waiver is for special education, followed by math and science.

Some parents feel short changed with these waivered teachers while others see it differently.

Dan Demas of Springfield said, “There are teachers that are licensed that are not good teachers, so it really comes down someone good working with the kids."

To find out how many uncertified teachers are in your school district click here.