APS Making Headway on Teacher Shortage in Regular Ed
Challenges remain in special education, but partnerships are making a difference.
It’s been a long and difficult journey, but Albuquerque Public Schools is turning the corner on a teacher shortage in the district’s regular education classrooms.
The district has only a handful of unfilled positions in its regular education classrooms — a massive shift from a few years ago when a variety of factors combined to leave many classrooms without a highly qualified teacher.
“We’re getting to a point where, if you want to be a teacher, it’s going to get more competitive,” said APS Superintendent Gabriella Blakey.
Todd Torgerson, who heads the APS Human Resources Department, credits, in part, improved salary levels – particularly for entry-level applicants – with helping alleviate the shortage.
Though Dr. Blakey hailed the change in regular education classrooms, she also noted APS – like districts throughout the state and nation – continues to suffer from a significant shortage of special education teachers. The district currently needs 153 special ed teachers.
APS is partnering with the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, CNM and the University of New Mexico to address the special education shortage through the SETT Program. The one-year teacher residency program offers a guided apprenticeship under an experienced co-teacher, with a full salary. That’s more than $56,000 a year with benefits.
The course offers a 24-credit licensure program that can be completed in just one year, with the tuition covered by APS. In the residency program, program members will be well-supported and well-prepared to start their teaching careers.
Those interested in the program can reserve a spot by emailing the Special Education Teacher Training program today at stanley.keith@aps.edu or by calling 505-889-4831.
Dr. Blakey said initiatives like the SETT program are critical to chipping away at the problem.
“We know we really need to continue to grow your own,” she said.