NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The requirements to become a teacher could change in Tennessee.

During a speech to the Cookeville Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton proposed creating a statewide two-year associate’s degree program to help produce more educators.

Prospective teachers are currently required to have at least a Bachelor’s degree.

Sexton pointed to the different levels of specialties and corresponding requirements in healthcare.

“Could we not set up our teachers in the same way?” Sexton asked during his speech.

According to the Professional Educators of Tennessee (PET), colleges are not producing enough graduates to replace teachers leaving the field.

“Many teachers are now coming from alternative programs,” PET said. “It could be beneficial to conduct

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