A new report says more than half of Minnesota school districts have an "extreme shortage" of math and science teachers. The report also says more than half of all new teachers leave their jobs within five years.
In more than 18 years as a teacher, Ian Keith has seen a lot. However, unlike a lot of teachers, Keith is still teaching.
The new report says most new teachers don't make it past the first few years. Part of it, said Keith, is that new teachers need mentors.
"There's just lots and lots of questions that new teachers have. And they also need to support to know you know, you're doing the right thing, that is the way to do it, keep going with what you are doing or you might want to try this, if that's not working try this," said Keith.
The study from the left of center think tank Minnesota 2020 reports most state school districts have an "extreme shortage" of math and science teachers.
That's why Minnesota State University, Mankato developed a mentor program, resulting in new teachers staying on the job longer.
"With a teacher who is serving as a mentor, who has seen a lot, they're more a connoisseur of situations, able to help a new teacher become even better at problem-solving," said Dr. Michael Miller with Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Minnesota's Education Commissioner Alice Seagran said teacher recruitment and retention are top state priorities but she also said the state should look at paying new math and science teachers more than other teachers.
"Math and science are two key things we're competing globally with China and India and other countries that are very aggressively training their students in math and science careers," said Seagren.
A number of Minnesota school districts have tried mentoring and they say it's helpful. However, it's expensive, costing about $13,000 for every new teacher. In tough budget times, like now, those mentoring programs are cut.
Another study found 56 percent of new teachers leave the job within 5 years, but if they've been mentored, 88 percent stay teaching.
For the WCCO story and video report, go to http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_288180142.html
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