DEVELOPING ALASKA'S EDUCATION WORKFORCE

Alaska’s public schools face many challenges in recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers. Low salaries, the high cost of living, schools in corrective action, isolation and limited teacher housing in rural Alaska, new policies related to teacher certification, the State’s retirement system and more lucrative career opportunities elsewhere are all variables outside of the immediate control of teacher preparation programs. These factors have profound impacts on recruitment of individuals into the profession of education. However, the ongoing challenges have also created opportunities for alignment in education goals and plans across the state between The Teacher Education Plan, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education’s goals and strategies, along with the Department of Education and Early Development’s Alaska Education Plan. Together we are working to overcome the challenges and improve education statewide.