Talent Together partners with 56 Michigan intermediate school districts and 18 colleges and universities addressing the state’s teacher shortage by removing barriers to certification. Dr. Sarena Shivers is Talent Together’s executive director.
“We are really trying to turn the needle and make a big difference in the area in which there are the most vacancies in teacher shortages across the state.”
Dr. Shivers says there has been a steady decline in certified teachers since the pandemic, due in part to many candidates leaving the field for higher-paying tech jobs. According to an analysis from Lansing-based pollster EPIC, the state ranks 44th nationwide in starting teacher salaries, just over $41,000, and 19th in average pay at slightly above $69,000.
The teacher shortage is most acute in special education.
“About 40% of all teacher vacancies across the state of Michigan are in the area of special education.”
Talent Together is moving hundreds of new, certified educators into those roles, with 43% of job candidates focused on special education certification.
“They are giving so much of themselves back to some of our most vulnerable learners that need it the most.”
The state is offering tuition reimbursement grants to increase the number of educators supporting students with disabilities.
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