Students, teachers, and families are beginning to settle into the new school year, but the steadily growing educator shortage is becoming increasingly apparent throughout the state. According to District 12 State Representative Brian Best, who is up for reelection this November in the new District 11, nearly every school struggled to fill their open positions over the summer.
District 11 includes portions of the Ar-We-Va, Carroll, Glidden-Ralson, Coon Rapids-Bayard, Audubon, Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton, Harlan, IKM-Manning, and AHSTW School Districts. Best recently visited Kuemper Catholic and found the shortage did not apply to just public school systems. Various factors have led to more teachers retiring and fewer younger educators entering the field, including a rise in behavior-related issues and added challenges during the pandemic. Best says the need is there, but there are barriers for even the most qualified individuals to transition into teaching.
Best adds it is too early to say what that program will look like, but he is almost certain it will be on the docket for the 2023 Iowa Legislative Session.
He notes it is critical legislators do not relax regulations too far, as not every professional in a particular field is suited for education. Best favors maintaining some form of required education before granting licensure but believes a mentorship program or something similar would help make such career changes more seamless.
