Burgum grants request to address North Dakota teacher shortage

August 9, 2023

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) — Gov. Doug Burgum has granted a request from the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board to declare a teacher emergency, allowing schools more flexibility in addressing the state’s teacher shortage.

The declaration will allow school districts temporarily expanded use of student teachers as they work to recruit and retain teachers, a move teachers’ union North Dakota United has opposed.

“Our administration…agrees that emergency rulemaking is reasonably necessary,” Burgum said. This is a Band-Aid, not a permanent solution. This emergency action simply gives local school boards and administrators additional flexibility and retains local control in determining how to fill teacher openings with the best interests of students in mind.”

Burgum also announced the formation of a task force to address challenges in teacher recruiting and retention.