Education board wants teacher shortage emergency declared in North Dakota

August 1, 2023

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) – The teacher shortage in North Dakota has taken another twist, as the state’s education standards and practices board sent a letter to Governor Doug Burgum. They are asking him to declare a crisis regarding the teacher shortage.

The North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board says they have received numerous phone calls related to the shortage which prompted them to ask for the waiver. The declaration would allow certain student teachers to be in the classroom without a teaching license. According to the board, this would be a one-semester deal.

North Dakota United opposes the letter saying this would have a negative impact on teachers. They also said there are over 220 openings across the state, and that this was similar to 2016 and a declaration was not asked of the governor. NDU said they hope Gov. Burgum denies the request.

United President Nick Archuleta says what is needed is a task force of people that are committed to finding a solution. “Parents, taxpayers, teachers, administrators. Let’s get into a room and start addressing the fundamental causes of the teacher shortage. And then work hard to mitigate those.”

Governor Burgum has not yet responded to the board’s request.