BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) – The teacher shortage in North Dakota has taken another twist, as the state’s education standards and practices board sent a letter to Governor Doug Burgum. They are asking him to declare a crisis regarding the teacher shortage.
The North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board says they have received numerous calls related to the shortage which prompted them to ask for the waiver. The declaration would allow certain student teachers to be in the classroom without a teaching license. According to the board, this would be a one-semester deal.
North Dakota United, the teacher’s and public employees union, opposes the request saying it would have a negative impact on teachers. It also said there are over 220 openings across the state, which was similar to 2016.
United President Nick Archuleta says what is needed is a task force of people that are committed to finding a solution. “Parents, taxpayers, teachers, administrators. Let’s get into a room and start addressing the fundamental causes of the teacher shortage. And then work hard to mitigate those.”
Governor Burgum has not yet responded to the board’s request.
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