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North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board Reconsiders Letter on Teacher Shortage
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – The North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board recently held a meeting to reconsider a letter sent to Governor Doug Burgum regarding the state’s teacher shortage. During the meeting, the board members voted against rescinding the letter, which had requested for student teachers to lead classrooms without veteran teachers present during their internship.
Concerns about Teacher Vacancies
One of the board members sought clarification from the higher education representative regarding fall student teachers who have already been placed. The representative mentioned that universities may have some individuals available to fill vacancies, but the number would be limited as many student teachers are already assigned to positions. Rebecca Pitkin, the executive director, emphasized that while some vacancies may be filled, the shortage of qualified teachers remains a concern for the education sector in North Dakota.
Impact of Student Teaching Experience
During the meeting, the board members also discussed the impact of negative student-teaching experiences on individuals pursuing a career in teaching. A poor student-teaching experience can discourage individuals from entering the field and exacerbate the existing shortage. Furthermore, they deliberated on the standards of teacher education to ensure quality training for future educators.
Evaluating Staffing in Districts
The North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board is currently working on a report to assess the staffing situation in various districts across the state. This report aims to identify districts that are facing complete staffing challenges, providing valuable data for addressing the teacher shortage issue. As part of this effort, the board will evaluate the level of personnel available in each district and explore potential strategies to attract and retain qualified educators.
Board Decision on the Letter
Following the discussion, the board held a vote to determine the fate of the letter sent to Governor Burgum. Three board members were in favor of withdrawing the letter, while six members voted against withdrawing it. Ultimately, the majority voted to maintain the letter’s request for allowing student teachers to lead classrooms independently during their internship.
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