The Absent Teacher Part I

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Eureka, Ca., (KIEM)- Humboldt County faces a critical shortage of teachers. According to the Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education, Chris Hartley, the number of applicants for open teaching positions has also taken a plunge. Less than half of the number of applicants that used to come forward per job listing are throwing their hat in the ring.

The reason? For years young people have heard about how little teachers are paid. As the cost of education continues to rise at the University level, the threat of student loan debt, paired with the promise of a mediocre salary is turning away potential teachers before they enroll in credential programs.

If the pool of applicants is less competitive, then its harder to make sure the teachers hired are the best they can be, Hartley says.

In the interim, the Office of Education is issuing emergency teaching certification, helping educators to get an expedited emergency credential. The problem with this is it’s not sustainable. Educators with emergency credentials often don’t get as much support, and statistically do not stick with the career. Longevity in a climate where teachers are in high demand is very important.

At Humboldt State University, the teaching program is five years long. Four years of tuition and lodging must be spent for class time alone. Then, the fifth year is spent on earning a credential and student teaching experience. An extra year of time and money, compared to other four year bachelor’s degree programs doesn’t have much appeal.

So, Humboldt State University and the Office of Education formed a task force. That group used a four year model to reshape HSU education program. Now one year shorter, the degree tract keeps pace with the rest of the state, and the force hopes, will have a wider appeal.