We need to support Montana's educators

Guest Commentary:

Here in Libby, our local public schools are the foundation of our community. They educate the next generation of leaders and prepare them to enter the workforce on Main Street.

Unfortunately, over the past couple of decades we’ve seen that it’s getting harder and harder to recruit teachers to move to our towns.

Thirty years ago, when I was the Chairman of the Big Sandy School Board and we’d have an open teaching position, I’d get stacks and stacks of applications. Now, I hear from Montana school administrators who tell me there is a lack of applicants.

When schools can’t recruit or retain quality teachers there is a ripple effect that can be felt from the post office, to the grocery store and throughout the entire town. 

And it has a direct impact on the loss of population in rural America. Families start moving away when their local school struggles.

When I graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1974, there were 42 students in my graduating class. Last year, there were nearly that many students in the entire school.

Big Sandy is not unique. There are schools in every county that are facing those same challenges.

In fact, in 2013 there were over 1,100 educator positions across Montana that needed to be filled. In rural schools almost 50 percent of math and science teaching positions are very difficult to fill according to the Office of Public Instruction.

How do we expect to prepare our students for a 21st century economy if we can’t retain experienced teachers in our rural communities?

It is time to rebuild rural America and ensure that our children and grandchildren have access to a quality education.

That is why I am introducing the Rural Educator Support and Training Act or simply the R.E.S.T. Act.

My bill provides college students who are pursuing degrees in education or school administration with tuition assistance if they commit to teaching in a rural school for at least three years.

Additionally, teachers who work in rural schools for at least five years can apply for up to $17,500 of student loan forgiveness and cover the costs of advanced certification.

Building a strong pipeline of motivated teachers from our universities to our rural schools will ensure Montana students get a good education.

I know, from my own experience, there is nothing that impacts a person’s future more than a quality public education. It gives folks a better shot at success and allows students to chase their dreams.

Sen. Jon Tester is a United States Senator, representing Montana