Associated Press
05-28-07
Shortage of ag teachers puts some programs in jeopardy
HUDSON, Iowa (AP) - Some educators warn that a shortage of agriculture
instructors could stifle student development in 1 of Iowa's largest industries.
Greg Miller is an Iowa State University professor of ag education and
studies.
He says twice as many Iowa high schools are looking for ag instructors this year
than potential candidates graduating from the university in Ames. It's the only
state school with an ag teaching program.
Around the country, the story is pretty much the same.
A national study on agriculture educators indicated 40 high school ag
departments across the country shut down last year due to the lack of a qualified
teacher.
Low pay compared to the business world and the urbanization of America are
blamed for the shortage.
Miller hopes several steps recently taken by the state will attract young people
into the profession.
Those efforts include boosting teacher salaries, providing sign-on bonuses and
using student-loan forgiveness programs.