Letter: Teacher shortage? He’s unconvinced

Sunday, Dec. 6, 1998 | 9:22 a.m.

I'm a certified teacher in Washington state at both the elementary and secondary level and have had two years of substitute teaching experience. I've applied to the Clark County School District with a preference to teach at the elementary level. I've had a few job offers because schools were looking for a male teacher to serve as a role model for the youths of their school. The offers were withdrawn when they found out I can't be certified as an elementary teacher in Nevada.

With licensing reciprocity between our states Nevada is willing to certify me at the secondary but not at the elementary level. Why? According to the Office of Teacher Licensing, because I didn't student-teach at the elementary level and/or have three years of full-time elementary teaching experience, I'm not qualified to teach at that level.

(No one has ever explained to me why an elementary teacher with no experience beyond student teaching is more qualified to teach in a class than someone who does have experience.)

If there was a true teacher shortage I'm sure the state would have waived the rules for uniquely qualified teachers like me to teach at any level or grant a temporary certificate so that we could teach the required three years of full-time.

Teacher shortage in Nevada? Don't make me laugh.

Guy Breshears Spokane, Wash.