There is a definite teacher shortage in South Dakota right now. Lawmakers have approved a proposal making it easier for schools to issue permits to student teachers, potentially retaining more of the state’s educators.
The legislature's Interim Rules Committee met Tuesday to discuss the measure amending the state's student teacher program.
Kathryn Blaha is the director of accreditation and certification with the Department of Education. She said districts are struggling to fill in teaching gaps.
“We are aware of the challenges the districts are facing, and these rules are reflecting an effort to help support the need," Blaha said. "These rules have been developed from the need associated with the teacher shortage and the direct impact on the field. Feedback from stakeholders was gathered, and in some cases, multiple conversations were held to ensure we were able to both reflect the needs, as well as the parameters being asked for.”
Blaha said this is an effort to keep the state competitive.
“Neighboring states are enticing some of our student teachers to go out-of-state for a paid student teaching experience – thus recruiting and poaching potential South Dakota teachers," Blaha said. "These rules are additions to the educator certification rules under 24.28.09, proposing a student teacher permit, and an advanced student teacher permit. Both permits are limited to one year, are non-renewable, and provide the opportunity for school districts to provide compensation to student teachers placed in their districts.”
Sen. Jean Hunhoff is chair of the interim rules review committee. She voiced concerns relating to a pre-existing state program.
“So hypothetically, I have no idea what’s in the state program, and I have no idea what’s in the school district program, but we’re producing this individual that’s going to provide the need and be this teacher," Hunhoff said. "Why are we not looking at the mentoring program that has similar components? Should there be expectations in the programs?”
Most school districts in the state already participate in that mentorship program, and this proposal was designed to offer individual districts more flexibility.
There was no opponent testimony, and the recommendation was unanimously approved.