College Graduates Wanted for Teaching Positions

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Looking for College Graduates. Most everyone in the country is aware of the national teaching shortage. Here at Colstrip we too are searching for teachers. At this time we have 4 elementary teaching positions open, 1 high school business teaching position and 1 special education position. We have filled several positions already. Moving forward, the District has utilized Emergency Authorizations from the Office of Public Instruction to fill positions. This year, the 67th Legislature made revisions to the Montana Annotated Code to attract more professionals to teaching.

Make no debate about it, the District is seeking professionals, but we realize they come with different educational backgrounds. Not having a teaching certification will not limit an individual from an opportunity to teach. With that being said, we want to encourage those that have a bachelor of arts or science degree from an accredited college or university as well as significant experience in the area of teaching to apply for employment at Colstrip Public Schools. You can go on line at https://colstripsd19mt.sites.thrillshare.com/page/job-opportunities and apply for the openings listed.

See Emergency Authorization (MCA 20-4-11 2021) below for more information:

As outlined by HB 246

Section 6. Section 20-4-111, MCA, is amended to read: "20-4-111. Emergency authorization of employment.

(1) A district may request from the superintendent of public instruction an emergency authorization of employment for a person who is not the holder of a valid Montana teacher or specialist certificate and a required endorsement as an instructor of pupils when the district cannot secure the services of a person holding a valid Montana certificate and a required endorsement. The person must have previously held a valid teacher or specialist certificate from Montana or another state or shall provide acceptable evidence of academic qualifications or significant experience related to the area for which the emergency authorization of employment is being sought as prescribed by the policies of the board of public education for and during an emergency. Emergency authorization of employment must indicate:

(a) the district to which the authorization is issued;

(b) the person whom the district is authorized to employ;

(c) the endorsement for elementary or secondary instruction and the specific subject fields for which authorization to employ the person is given; and

(d) the school fiscal year for which the emergency authorization of employment is given.

(2) Emergency authorization of employment of a person is valid for the school fiscal year identified on the authorization and may be renewed in accordance with the board of public education policies. A fee not to exceed $6 and, if no teacher or specialist certificate or emergency authorization of employment has ever been issued for the person, a filing fee of $6 must be paid for the issuance of an emergency authorization of employment. The superintendent of public instruction shall deposit the fees with the state treasurer to the credit of the general fund.

(3) Emergency authorization of employment of a person may be revoked for good cause in accordance with the provisions of 20-4-110."

Searching for "GREAT" Teachers!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Many schools across the country are having difficulty hiring teachers. It is no different here at Colstrip Public Schools. Teacher shortages are a reality.

The table at right indicates that schools throughout the country are grappling with teacher shortage. This graph indicates the subjects most effected across the nation.

Currently the Colstrip Public School District is searching for several positions for the 2018-2019 School Year. The District advertises these positions at both the state and national levels in hopes to gain the interest of teaching candidates that will do a great job. As superintendent, I send out individual emails to educational graduates soliciting their interest to come to Colstrip. Below are flyers I am posting on our District Facebook and my Twitter accounts to help get the word out.  Please feel free to share them in your social media.

 

Finding the best educators to serve the youth of Colstrip has become a focus. Very seldom do schools get a plethora of applicants for an opening. According to CNN's Caitlin Ostroff, she shared a study done by UCLA that found that college freshmen's interest in teaching as a career has steadily declined since 2006. In fact, nationwide teacher education enrollments have dropped 35% since 2009.  In addition, teachers leaving the profession have increased by 8% with two-thirds quitting before retirement according to the Learning Policy Institute. The bottom line is that fewer folks want to become teachers with a high percentage of teachers leaving the profession.

Hiring teachers and retaining teachers in remote communities is a challenge. There are so many variables to consider. Cost of living, quality of housing, access to shopping and eating amenities, health care and health insurance are just a few of the things that every potential employee considers before signing a contract. I also want to mention the biggest variable that comes into play is also the most difficult for remote educational communities to compete with: a candidates desire to work close to the home where their extended family reside. It is an employee's market in very demanding times when it comes to educational accountability. 

Districts have to be more strategic in the hiring process by doing some of the following: build relationships with surrounding teacher-college programs; grow your own teachers by generating student interest; get to the candidates first (before the competition); find new ways to solicit interest from teacher candidates; or provide more money, amenities and fringe benefits with fewer funds to do so. Searching for "GREAT" teachers is more difficult than ever. 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"