Statewide Iowa — The State Board of Education discussed the shortage of teachers recently during their meeting in Des Moines.
Some districts have had to cancel classes due to a lack of teachers or substitutes, and some are looking at extending the Thanksgiving break due to shortages. Department of Education director Ann Lebo mentioned the issue while updating the board on her webinar with school superintendents.
She says the Ed Department is gathering information on the issue.
The task force group is expected to report to the Board of Ed in December. Board member Mike May of Spirit Lake says it is an issue that has to be addressed as soon as possible.
Lebo says they have to develop solutions on two fronts.
Lebo says the teacher shortage is also part of the larger labor shortage in the state of Iowa and how to prepare students to fill the shortages.
