Report: More autonomy, stress reduction and financial support among solutions to Minnesota teacher shortage
For more information, contact:
Chris Williams
651-292-4816 (work)
651-247-5539 (cell)
Megan Boldt
651-292-4818 (work)
651-245-9163 (cell)
ST. PAUL, Minn., March 11, 2016 – Minnesota schools are facing a growing shortage of teachers, particularly teachers of color. On Monday, Education Minnesota's Educator Policy Innovation Center will release a detailed report on the issue and recommend policy solutions.
"The nationwide teacher shortage has finally arrived in Minnesota and it's time for action," said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. "Our team of educators has studied the issue and is ready to present thoughtful solutions that will put a qualified and committed teacher in every Minnesota classroom."
The report, “Smart Solutions to Minnesota’s Teacher Shortage: Developing and Sustaining a Diverse and Valued Educator Workforce,” makes several suggestions for attracting and retaining teachers and presents evidence those solutions will work. Among the recommendation are that Minnesota should:
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provide stronger financial support to attract highly qualified people to teaching.
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create high school programs to promote teaching as a profession.
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provide financial incentives to educators willing to work in schools that serve high needs populations.
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increase autonomy for teachers to respond to student needs and involve teachers in the schoolwide decision-making process.
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invest in high-quality professional development for all educators.
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decrease work stress placed on educators in special education, an extreme shortage area.
The news conference will feature classroom educators from throughout Minnesota who will share the latest research and their own personal experiences in attracting and retaining teachers.
Who: Education Minnesota's Educator Policy Innovation Center.
What: News conference to present new report on alleviating the teacher shortage.
When: 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 14.
Where: State Office Building, Room 181, Capitol Complex.
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.