GISH education pathway trains future teachers, hopes to address teacher shortage
We all remember a teacher that saw something that others didn’t, that motivated us to do better, that taught us something.
By News Channel NebraskaGRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Many Nebraska school districts are part of a national teacher shortage.
According to a teacher vacancy survey from the Nebraska Department of Education, there are 908 positions unfilled across the state. A study by the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers says stress, a feeling the job isn't worth it and the number of working hours are driving people away from the profession.
But that's not the case for some students at Grand Island Senior High that are about to graduate with years of experience.
Education Pathway instructor Dr. Lauren Schumacher says she has no doubt her students are more than qualified to start teaching.
“I bet a lot of these students enter college with more knowledge of education than many of the freshmen that they will be going to school with, so it’s just so cool," said Schumacher.
Students learn about the history of the profession, take a principles of education course and get practical experience. The program culminates with a capstone presentation.
Schumacher says she keeps encouraging kids to consider teaching.
“I always tell the kids, I’m like, don’t be discouraged with the state of the world with education that we’re always gonna need teachers," said Schumacher. "It might just look different by the time you’re there.”