University offers new program for K-12 educators

University offers new program for K-12 educators

Job opportunities for teachers are expected to increase over the next 10 years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. However, many elementary schools across the country are having trouble finding educators who are capable of teaching science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

As a result, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education recently approved a request from Valley City State University (VCSU) to establish the Great Plains STEM Education Center at the VCSU campus, VCSU reports.

"The state Board's approval for the Great Plains STEM Education Center is a clear sign that they recognize the critical issues that STEM education addresses and VCSU's important role in addressing them," Steve Shirley, president of VCSU told the news source.

The Center will offer a STEM education and training program for elementary school teachers. The state's long term goal is to increase its technical workforce in order to support growing employment opportunities.

As a group, STEM workers earned about 70 percent more than the 2005 national average, the BLS reports.

Teachers who specialize in STEM education may have a better chance of being hired. According to the BLS, many teachers are expected to retire over the next eight years, which will create more job openings.

By Mark Danson