An critical teacher shortage in North Dakota is the focus of a new apprenticeship program

Fargo, North Dakota – The state’s teacher shortfall is being addressed in a new initiative announced by the superintendent of schools in North Dakota.

“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 referring to the new apprenticeship program, which enables teacher’s assistants who are currently employed by districts to get financial aid to complete their teaching degrees while they are employed.

Work on the degrees can be done remotely, according to Baesler.

Minot State University, University of Mary, and Valley City State University are among the institutions that already provide teacher training courses.

Further details, according to the superintendent, are offered by nearby school districts.