State relaxes requirements to become a teacher; Move aimed at addressing a critical shortage of teachers

The Missouri State Board of Education recently relaxed requirements to become a new teacher in the Show Me State to help address a growing shortage of teachers.

Previously, people looking to get their teaching licenses would have had to pass an assessment. Now, those who score below a passing grade on the assessment can still get their license if they’ve managed to complete other requirements, such as maintaining a 3.0 GPA in their college work and having completed supervised student teaching, according to an Associated Press report.

The Ozark County Times reached out to area superintendents to get their thoughts on the subject and see if area schools are facing teacher shortages for the upcoming school year.

“The teaching shortage is a real issue schools are facing,” said Gainesville Superintendent Justin Gilmore. “I know the state is trying to find ways to improve the situation. Our educators need legislative, community, parental, and administrative support now more than ever before.”

Gilmore said he feels like schools will continue to see teacher shortages until educators feel supported.

“The Gainesville R-V District administrative team is continuing to strive to find ways to support our teachers effectively,” Gilmore said. “We are fortunate to live in a wonderful area where the community and parents are supportive.”

The superintendent said Gainesville has filled all of its open positions for the upcoming school year.

“I hope our local community considers how much our local educators love and care for their children before letting negative media impact their perception,” Gilmore added, noting that some of the mainstream media’s portrayal of public education casts a bad light on education as a whole that he worries might spill over into local, more intimate areas like Ozark County.

Dora Superintendent Allen Woods said he appreciates the state trying to help, but they need to take a deeper dive into the problem.

“The state needs to concentrate on why current teachers are leaving the profession,” Woods said. “The state is trying to help out schools, but I am curious to see where this goes. Once you start down this path, it is hard to reverse things.”

Woods said he agrees with Gilmore that educators need to feel supported by the state, district and parents. 

“Not all teachers are leaving the profession because of money,” Woods said. “It’s a big reason, but not the only reason.”

Woods said Dora has also filled all of their teaching vacancies for the upcoming school year. They do have a teacher’s aide position that is currently open, he said.

The Ozark County Times reported in May that Missouri is last in the nation in average starting teacher salary at $32,970 and 44th in the nation in average teacher salary ($50,817). Missouri has nearly 70,000 teachers, and just over 4,000 of them currently earn a salary between $25,000 and $35,000.

The Missouri State Board of Education has been keeping an eye on the looming shortage and has formed a Teacher Recruitment and Retention Blue Ribbon Commission to get ahead of the issue.

Bakersfield Superintendent Amy Britt said that teachers’ plates are full and overflowing, and their paychecks have not kept up with their added duties and worries.

Britt said Missouri is facing a critical shortage, not just in teachers, but in all areas of education.

“I work with educators who use their own money to provide for the needs of kids,” Britt said. “I work with educators who lose sleep worrying about the safety and well-being of students in their charge.”

The Bakersfield Superintendent said they have filled all their positions for the upcoming school year. “It took some work,” Britt said. “But we are blessed with a great group of colleagues who make Bakersfield a great place to work, so we were fortunate to get quality applicants for our open positions.”

 

 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423