New study says Minnesota could face a teacher shortage

The teaching of Math and Science in Minnesota schools has caught the attention of a non-partisan group called Minnesota 2020.

"We're going to see a shortage of teachers unless we take strong action," said Former state Democratic leader Matt Entenza.

He now heads the public policy think tank Minnesota 2020. Right now their focus is on the future of Minnesota's schools.

"We need more science and math in our education and that means more teachers and we're not getting them," said John Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald authored the 'Growing Gap: Minnesota's teacher recruitment and retention crisis.' Fitzgerald said schools are having a tough time recruiting math and science teachers.

The study says part of the numbers problem is a teacher's salary. Qualified science and math teachers can take a job in the private sector and earn twice the starting teacher's salary.

"The teacher shortage is real," Wabasso Schools Superintendent Ted Suss agreed.

It took months for Suss to find a science teacher and when he did, "after weeks and weeks and weeks I came up with four applicants, two of whom were licensed."

He said one of the candidates turned down the job, which left him with only one to fill the position.

"We can act now and make sure the best teachers stay and the kids get the education they deserve," Entenza said.

Officials with the Minnesota Department of Education, although not entirely familiar with Minnesota 2020, agree that a decline in teachers is something to be concerned about.

Commissioner Alice Seagren said teacher recruitment along with retention has been something they've focused on for the past several years.

The study also suggests mentoring new teachers would help to lessen teacher turnover in the state.

By Jeffrey DeMars, KARE 11 News

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