It’s key to confront teacher shortage

By Pamela Roggeman, Tempe, Ariz.

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015 | 2 a.m.

Classroom teachers are the foundation of public school success. Revelations in the Las Vegas Sun that the Clark County School District (CCSD) is facing a 2,600-teacher shortage should concern everyone.

Civic, business and education leaders all have a stake in preparing future generations of teachers. I believe if you have an interest in becoming a teacher, now is the time. Technology and collaboration are tearing down classroom walls and making the profession more dynamic than ever.

CCSD officials are rightfully taking action by expanding recruitment, creating partnerships with national education organizations and engaging lawmakers and parents to seek innovative solutions.

Diverse college preparation programs are also critical to addressing the shortage. Nevada’s future teachers may be raising families, working full-time in other industries or be first generation college students; we cannot let these potential educators slip through the cracks.

Flexible learning options and course schedules can help address the need. We must also help curb attrition by ensuring candidates are prepared for those critical first few years of teaching. University of Phoenix teacher preparation programs offer flexibility and instruction under practitioner faculty who are currently employed in K-12 schools and understand these dynamics.

If you aspire to teach, diverse programs in the state of Nevada can meet your needs.

The author is the academic dean for the University of Phoenix College of Education.