Teacher Shortage Presentation
Dr. Paul Katnik, Assistant Commissioner from the Office of Educator Quality, presented the program at the Central MASA meeting held in Huntsville, Missouri on Wednesday, November 9th. His presentation centered around the teacher shortage that exists across the nation and specifically here in Missouri. As part of that presentation, he provided five (5) solutions to help address this matter. I am providing those and encouraging you to consider this information so that collectively we can help to address the problem.
Solutions for Addressing the Teacher Shortage Issue:
1) All School Superintendents/Core Data Personnel are encouraged to accurately complete Screen 21. The information gathered from this report is used by Dr. Katnik's team to share with college preparatory programs. This information is also used to identify critical shortage areas and for loan forgiveness programs.
2) Grow Your Own Campaign - Superintendents and secondary administrators across the state are encouraged to identify/recruit a minimum of 2-3 students each year that would make great teachers. The encouragement offered and active participation in FTA activities can help districts address their individual needs in the future. Statistically, over sixty (60) percent of teachers are employed within twenty (20) miles of where they graduated high school.
3) Improvements in teacher education preparatory programs, mentoring programs, Beginning Teacher Assistance Programs and teacher induction programs. New standards are coming out in December for public view regarding these areas.
4) Effective implementation of the Educator Evaluation Principles. Application of these principles will help school districts grow and improve teaching practice locally.
5) Active and engaged leadership from building and district administrators is critical. Teachers need to be supported. Teachers need to know that they are appreciated.
Core Data - Screen 21 Information