Rob: And just where will that increased funding go?
Well, hopefully in training new teachers.
Joining me here in our CareerTech studio is Mary Jo Self, associate
professor of occupational studies at Oklahoma State University.
Well, first of all, thank you for being here, Mary Jo.
Mary Jo Self: You're welcome.
Rob: Just how bad is the teacher shortage that we're talking about?
Mary Jo Self: Well, it's really two fold.
One, we don't have as many teachers entering the field.
And then secondly, about 42% of the current teaching force, right now,
could retire.
Rob: Well, what we have to concentrate on is getting new teachers trained,
Self: Correct.
Rob: And, why is that proving difficult?
Self: Well, I think there are really several reasons for that.
One, I have noticed that, and I have been in the business for 30 years now,
that when the economy is really good, and it's easy to find skilled jobs,
whether that's as a welder or mechanic, those types of employment, less people
go into teaching, obviously, because there's plenty of job
opportunities out in business and industry.
But, secondly, about ten years ago in the state, there were ten
institutions that prepared career and technical teachers, and today,
there's only four.
Rob: Well, what is the goal?
What is the plan to solve this problem?
Self: Well, several efforts are being made
simultaneously to address it.
One, there's an interim study being done; there's a strategic plan that has
been formulated, first part of November, and we're trying to work on
implementing it, so we're coming from that direction.
As well as at OSU, we now have, have had the last three years, a degree in
career and technical education, specifically, it's a broad based degree.
And really, you're looking for a unique skill set.
And that is someone that has industry experience,
but might not have a college degree,
and might not have, certainly, teacher preparation, and so.
You know in the United States, we've been doing that well over 100 years,
alternatively or provisionally certifying CareerTech teachers, and
there is a process for someone to go through if that's something they
would like to do.
Rob: Why do you think Oklahoma's education system is suffering from a
shortage of CareerTech teachers?
Rob: Well, good, good; and I hope you keep us updated.
Thank you, Mary Jo.
Self: Thank you very much.
I appreciate it.
Rob: Mary Jo Self, with Oklahoma State University.