Jennifer Schmidt
73:02 - 73:34
“Alaska is experiencing an educator shortage crisis right now, the worst in our history. At the start of this school year, districts reported 311 first-day teacher vacancies and 339 teachers on emergency certificates.”
- Speaker
- Jennifer Schmidt
- Timestamp
- 73:02 – 73:34
- Community
- Alaska News
- Location
- Alaska
- Captured at
From the transcript
We respectfully ask that educator retention and recruitment receive greater emphasis and be included as important short-term priorities. Alaska is experiencing an educator shortage crisis right now, the worst in our history. At the start of this school year, districts reported 311 first-day teacher vacancies and 339 teachers on emergency certificates. Districts are struggling to fill classrooms, particularly in rural and remote communities, and special education positions. Each unfilled position affects children waiting for a teacher, educators taking on additional responsibilities, and administrators working to keep instruction consistent.
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