House Education Chairs Offer Different Responses to Proposed Associate’s Degree Teaching Program

Representatives Mark White (left) and Kirk Haston (right) (Photos by the Tennessee General Assembly)

House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, attracted statewide attention last month when he proposed creating an associate’s degree teaching program.

Currently, public school teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in or complete an educator preparation program. Under the proposal Sexton plans to unveil next year, K-6 grade teachers would only need two years of higher education and an internship.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton at last month’s TQEE summit (Photo by Meredith McGann)

Sexton envisions the faster teaching pathway as a solution to the state’s teacher shortage. He made the case for it publicly at the Tennesseans for Quality Early Education (TQEE) annual policy summit in November.

“Can we do it more efficiently in 18 months, 12 months. It’s really important. Are we just doing 2 years because that’s what logically we always have done in education is a year thing. Can we do it faster, more efficiently, and get them out there faster,” said Sexton. “We’re looking at how to challenge the education system to a certain degree.”

Sexton’s proposal will need approval from the Tennessee General Assembly, including passage from key education committees in both the House and Senate.

Haston a ‘No Comment’

The Tennessee Firefly reached out to the chairs of both House committees expected to vote on Sexton’s legislation to see whether they support the plan.

House K-12 Subcommittee Chair Kirk Haston, R-Lobelville, responded through an email sent by his legislative assistant that he’s not ready to take a position.

“At this time, since the bill has not been filed, Representative Haston does not have a comment,” wrote Haston’s assistant.

White Calls Plan Out-of-the-Box Thinking

House Education Committee Chair Mark White, R-White, offered to provide his thoughts in an interview with the Tennessee Firefly. Representative White didn’t commit to supporting the plan, but he did call it “out-of-the-box thinking” to create a pipeline that addresses the teacher shortage.

“I’m always open to the out-of-the-box thinking,” said White. “We want qualified people in the classroom, but we’re struggling right now, and we don’t have that. So I think it’s worthy of having an out-of-the-box thinking, what does it look like to get qualified teachers in the classroom, and I am open to having such a discussion.”

White expressed support for the proposed program’s internship requirement for new teachers.  He also said that participating teachers should not face lower accountability requirements if the program is approved.

“I do want accountability and to make sure that we have the best qualified in the classroom and then we got to hold em accountable,” said White. “I’m willing to look at the concept because out of the concept may come something that is workable to get more people in the classroom.”

The Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes on January 13, 2026.