The teacher shortage in America’s classrooms isn’t some mythical headline seeking to bring furor for families and taxpayers.
It’s a very real phenomenon, as highly-qualified retirees are being asked to return to the workforce, and others are being asked to stave their well-earned state pensions for another calendar year.
Trigg County Schools is no exception to these measures, but help could eventually be on the way.
During last Thursday’s Board of Education meeting, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Karen Solise unveiled that the district in the heart of Cadiz has accepted “Option 9” in a partnership with the University of the Cumberlands — in hopes of turning instructional assistants and classified employees to the teaching paradigm.
According to Solise and officials from UC, “aspiring educators in Kentucky will be able to complete both their teaching certification and bachelor’s degree within three school years, as students remain employed within the participating school district to gain work experience, whilst simultaneously attending classes at a college or university.”
Solise noted it’s a landmark opportunity, and a chance for Trigg County to “grow their own.”
Solise said the district held a fall meeting to gauge interest in “Option 9,” and 11 unnamed individuals took in the seminar.
From that seminar, Solise added that four folks — all from the middle school — began this education path this week, and another has sought an alternate route for teaching certification.
Board member and former teacher, Charlene Sheehan, called it “a great idea.”
Solise described the contract as in-lieu. Those interested needed to have interest in middle school or high school mathematics, special education, science or social studies — all of which are experiencing critical shortages nationwide.
Furthermore, Solise said that once previous transcripts were reviewed, applicants had to agree to stay with the Trigg Couny Schools equal to the number of years needed for certification. For example, if someone needed two years of schooling for certification, one has to agree to teach two years in Trigg County.
In exchange, the district assists with tuition costs, and if one doesn’t finish the schooling, they must pay back the investment.
Solise said Trigg County originally wanted to partner up with Murray State University, a logical notion. However, she said MSU didn’t get its “Option 9” systems arranged in time for this semester — perhaps foreshadowing Trigg County’s right-away needs.
Solise also noted that applicants had to apply for FAFSA to see if they qualified for additional financial aid, and a program like this was a “good investment for both parties.” Those working through “Option 9” would also be allowed to do observations and student teaching, while immersing themselves in Trigg County’s educational expectations.
Superintendent Bill Thorpe said Trigg’s applicants ranged from zero hours of college to 120 hours of college. Board member Gayle Rufli said it was “never too late to get an education.”
