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New partnership aims to increase industrial tech, shop teacher numbers
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- Mid-Plains Community College will have a hand in increasing the number of shop and industrial technology teachers in Nebraska.
That's thanks to a new partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR).
MPCC and CASNR will work together as part of a Skilled and Technical Sciences Teaching Program. It will allow students to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree with a Skilled and Technical Sciences Teaching Option.
"The program is designed for those who would like to teach in the trade areas," said Dr. Jody Tomanek, area vice-president of academic affairs and North Platte Community College. "We know there's a shortage of trade teachers in Nebraska - particularly in the western end of the state."
According to CASNR, there are 450 skilled and technical science teachers in middle schools and high schools in Nebraska. It's expected there will be 20-30 openings for teachers every year for the next five years.
"There are many reasons for the anticipated shortage," said Lenny Hassel, area Career Pathways coordinator for MPCC. "One is that many teachers are reaching retirement age. We also lose teachers to industry, which pays better. A third reason is some teachers move up the ranks and become administrators, counselors and assume other responsibilities which take them out of the classrooms."
Through the teaching program, students will complete their general education requirements at MPCC along with eight credit hours each in building construction, welding, electrical and automotive technology.
After earning an Associate of Applied Science degree, the students will transfer to UNL to complete teaching requirements and receive a Bachelor of Science degree. When finished, they will be able to teach in a high school or college setting.
"Any time we can provide an opportunity for students to transfer on -- we do it," Tomanek said of the partnership. "Our job is to make a student's degree transferable."
Hassel travels to area high schools as part of his job. While there, he has the opportunity to visit with students about their educational and career goals.
"The number of students in rural high schools thinking about becoming a teacher is relatively small," said Hassel. "It's typically not the kids sitting in shop class. Those students sometimes rule themselves out and don't always have the confidence to pursue a four-year degree."
He's hoping the new teaching program will change that.
"If we can encourage students and show them the advantages to becoming a teacher, it might be easier to get them to return to rural areas," Hassel said. "It's easier to bring a person back to a small town than to move in someone from the city. You have to grow your own."
Those interested in the teaching program can start taking their general education classes now through MPCC. Trade classes will begin in the fall.
More information about the program is available at any MPCC campus location.