Van Buren County CSD launching new state program to address teacher shortage

KEOSAUQUA, Iowa — Teacher shortages are impacting classrooms across the country, leading state officials to take several measures.

In January, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds launched the Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Grant Programin response to the shortages.

The Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program was created to address the need for educators in communities across the state.

The Van Buren County Community School district is one of 130 Iowa districts starting to implement the program this school year.

Van Buren County CSD Superintendent Jeremy Hissem said he is excited to be able to roll out the paraeducator program.

The program allows paraeducators, such as Lucinda DeHart, to earn their bachelor’s degree while working in the classroom.

DeHart has been a paraeducator in the Van Buren County District for over 15 years. She is one of four people the rural school district chose to take part in the initiative.

Currently, she is attending William Penn University over Zoom.

Right now I have three classes that I’m taking over Zoom meetings. It’s different for everyone, but my classes are on Monday and Saturday mornings this fall," DeHart said. "William Penn set this program up for me.

The path to earn her teaching license will take a total of three years. The grant program will fully cover the cost of attending classes, except the cost of textbooks she needs.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to complete my license, because I love working with kids," DeHart said.

Although the Van Buren County CSD district has been spared from feeling the impact of teacher shortages, the program has allowed the rural school district to take preventative measures.

Hopefully more teachers will be in the candidacy poolin the next couple of years," Hissem said. "This in turn, will help our students and schools.