Schools Look to Boomers to Ease Teacher Shortage Crisis
Source: aarp.org
Ready for a change, but not ready to retire? Not an uncommon feeling among the waves of baby boomers approaching what used to be considered traditional retirement age.
Governor Schwarzenegger and Hollywood philanthropist Sherry Lansing recognized this growing sentiment and channeled it into a means to alleviate California’s teacher shortage crisis. In 2007, they launched the EnCorps Teachers Program to recruit retired or nearly retiring math and science professionals from the corporate sector to transition into teaching careers.
AARP California is working with EnCorps to find members who are math and science professionals interested in sharing their passion as a California public school teacher. Teaching experience is not necessary.
EnCorps is actually looking for industry professionals who can bring their career experience into the classroom. With guidance and financial assistance from EnCorps, eligible individuals only need a bachelor’s degree to become credentialed to teach.
California has struggled with teacher shortages for nearly three decades and the forecast for the future is more of the same. Over the next ten years, some 33,000 math and science teachers will be needed in the state, which is why Schwarzenegger and Lansing are championing this creative solution.
"It's critical that we take action now and get enough qualified and experienced teachers into our classrooms as soon as possible. We must make sure California's students have a strong foundation and are well prepared with the skills they need to take on the challenges of the 21st Century," said Gov. Schwarzenegger. "We want to make the EnCorps Teachers Program a model for the rest of the nation on how we can creatively work together and end the teacher shortage in California."
Students often credit particular teachers for their profound impact on life direction and goals. For many of us, teachers are among our most important role models. As boomers rethink retirement, the EnCorp programs offers a rewarding opportunity to have this kind of impact on the leaders of the next generation.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming an EnCorps teacher, the time to act is now. Please visit www.encorpsteachers.org. Fall applications are being accepted through Nov. 14th, 2008.
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