What makes a good teacher — the ability to inspire students to learn or being a master of the subject you teach?

That was the crux of a debate Monday at the third and final public hearing on a proposed overhaul of the way Indiana’s teachers and administrators are trained and licensed.

Future middle school and high school teachers would be forced to major in their academic subject — for example, math, science or English — rather than majoring in “secondary education” with a minor.

Chuck Weisenbach, principal at Roncalli High School, called the idea a “breath of fresh air.” Over the years, he has hired many nontraditional instructors who have mastered their subjects and turned out to be fine teachers. “This is a step in the right direction,” he said.

But many of the 300 people who packed a room at the Indiana State Library did not agree.

Angry school administrators, teachers union representatives and even some college students showed up to protest before staff members of the Indiana Department of Education. They presented a petition signed by 2,481 people opposing the rule change proposed by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett. .

And despite being asked to hold their applause, opponents clapped early and often.

One line that drew applause was delivered by Elise Matthews, a veteran Anderson teacher. She pondered the value of having a business major like those blamed for the financial crisis teaching in a classroom.

“Do we really want to turn our children over to these people?” she said.

Most who spoke at the hearing agreed that a good teacher needs to know both teaching methods and subject matter. And the proposed changes still require some courses on teaching.

Still, critics say, the changes would be a “slap in the face” to teachers who excel in getting their kids to learn.

“Please look carefully at your experience as a student,” pleaded Katie Vollmer, a 20-year-old Butler student. “The teacher who meant so much to you did not have a lasting impression simply because of her knowledge . . . but because of the passion and coherent understanding of learners.”

Cam Savage, a spokesman for the Department of Education, said the changes would not affect students such as Vollmer because elementary education would still be an approved major for those who teach younger ages.

If the Professional Standards Board approves the changes, they could go into effect as early as July. But, Savage said, all current teachers would be “grandfathered in” and so would not need to return to college. Also, schools of education would have two years to modify their programs for new students.

The proposal also would enable local school boards, with a waiver from the state, to hire a superintendent or a principal with less administrative experience, such as an expert businessman who might be better suited to save a financially declining school district.

That drew protest from many administrators who say such leaders need to know as much as they can about the teachers and programs they would be evaluating.

But Scott Bess, a Danville School Board member, would like the increased local control.

“There are a number of highly qualified leaders who may not have a principal’s or superintendent’s license,” he said. “With all the demands for performance these days, local school boards are not going to just hire anyone who does not have the qualifications necessary to do the job.”

The Professional Standards Board will consider comments from the three hearings Nov. 18.