New North Dakota apprenticeship program aims to address critical teacher shortage

(Fargo, ND) -- North Dakota's superintendent of schools is announcing a new effort aimed at addressing the state-wide teacher shortage. 

"We have 14 teacher preparation programs in the state of North Dakota. All 14 of those programs will be eligible to be part of this Department of Labor apprenticeship program," said Kirsten Baesler.

Baesler is talking about the new apprenticeship program that allows teacher's aides already working in districts, to receive scholarship funds to earn their teaching degrees while they work. 

Baesler says work on the degrees can be done remotely. 

Schools already offering the teacher preparation programs include Minot State University, University of Mary, and Valley City State University. 

The superintendent says additional information is available at local school districts. 

Original Air Date: 
Tuesday, March 28, 2023