An Act to amend 118.19 (18) (bg) 1.; to create 118.19 (18) (bp) of the statutes; Relating to: a lifetime license that authorizes an individual to teach an American Indian language in an American Indian language program and modifying rules promulgated by the Department of Public Instruction. (FE)
Summary
AB109 would change Wisconsin’s teacher licensing rules for individuals who teach American Indian languages in American Indian language programs. Under current law, a person with a provisional teaching license can qualify for a tier III lifetime license after completing six semesters of teaching experience. This bill keeps that general framework but creates a special process for American Indian language licenses when a federally recognized tribe or band chooses to use it.
If a tribe or band opts in by giving written notice to the Department of Public Instruction, DPI could not issue a lifetime license for that language unless the tribal government first reviews the applicant and determines the person is qualified. The bill also directs DPI to notify the tribal government whenever someone applies for a tier III lifetime license in that language, and the tribe must respond either by endorsing the applicant for a lifetime license or by declining that endorsement while still endorsing the applicant to renew a tier II license. The bill further authorizes DPI to issue the lifetime license only if the applicant meets the existing tier III requirements and receives the tribal endorsement.
Impact
AB109 would amend s. 118.19 (18) (bg) 1. and create s. 118.19 (18) (bp), making tribal endorsement an additional condition for certain lifetime teaching licenses in American Indian languages when a tribe elects to participate. It would also require the Department of Public Instruction to follow a new notification and approval process and would prompt conforming rule changes in the administrative code, specifically PI 34.055 (3). The practical effect is to give federally recognized tribes and bands greater control over who is certified to teach their associated language in state-recognized programs.
Sentiment
The bill appears to reflect generally supportive sentiment toward tribal sovereignty, language preservation, and culturally grounded credentialing. Because the measure was prepared for the Joint Legislative Council’s Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations, it appears to have been developed with input focused on strengthening tribal authority over language instruction. No committee transcript or recorded vote information was provided, but the bill’s structure suggests an intent to align state licensing with tribal expertise and preferences rather than to create a broad statewide policy dispute.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the shift in decision-making authority from the state to the tribal government for a subset of lifetime licenses. Supporters are likely to view that as an appropriate recognition of tribal self-determination and language expertise, while critics could question whether adding a tribal endorsement requirement creates an extra barrier to licensure or complicates the state licensing process. Another possible issue is that the bill allows tribes to opt in individually, which may create different procedures depending on the language and tribal government involved.
Crossfiled
An Act to amend 118.19 (18) (bg) 1.; to create 118.19 (18) (bp) of the statutes; Relating to: a lifetime license that authorizes an individual to teach an American Indian language in an American Indian language program and modifying rules promulgated by the Department of Public Instruction. (FE)