[LouD]

A Highly Qualified Teacher has obtained full state certification or licensure

Teacher certification is a phony requirement intended to restrict the supply of teachers. By restricting the supply, you drive up the prevailing wage for those in the profession. That's why the unions are such vitriolic opponents of alternative certification programs.

[farmguy]

If teacher certification is supposed to drive up the prevailing wage for those in the profession, it has failed miserably. I suggest it is more likely there to establish the right (liberal) mindset.