And that is why (among other things) that American Education is going to Hell in a Handbasket.

In the US, it's eclectic, based on state and local laws. Bush's Leave No Child Behind law may add some Federal guidelines, but I'm not sure. Private (non-state-run) schools may use any guidelines whatsoever. Public (state-run) schools usually require a four-year degree and a teaching certificate, which is like grad-school-lite. There's some movement to require a Masters degree in the field being taught, as well, but that's not widespread.

The NEA will fight that tooth and nail.

They already refuse to allow their members to be subject to competency testing.

And that was the compromise position. Originally they wanted to refuse to allow their members to be competent at all.