The University of Alaska is tapping the outgoing Juneau School District superintendent Bridget Weiss to help build the state’s teacher corps.
Weiss is the first liaison to the Alaska College of Education Consortium. According to the university, Weiss will help the education program partner with school districts, state government and other stakeholders.
Weiss stated that she’s eager to strengthen the link between Alaska’s K-12 and university system. She serves as the president of the Alaska Superintendents Association, and she said her relationship with school leaders in the local area are crucial to the success of this post.
It’s a great opportunity to use your style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”I think my experiences really aligned very well with this chance,” she said. “I’ve worked in the K-12 field for quite a long time and this seemed like the perfect way to apply all the knowledge I’ve gained over the last forty-eight years, in a positive way, in a different perspective. .”
A few of her goals is to boost how many students are who are dual who are enrolled in high school as well as college courses, specifically for those seeking teaching degrees.
The span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”When high school students earn college credits within our system, it’s huge for students,” she said. “It’s much more probable that they’ll be full-time learners in our state-run university system. If we have teachers within our system of state, they’re likely to remain within this State .”
A presentation was made to State Senate Education Committee this week university officials presented an image of the proportions of district school staff who have graduated from the state’s universities. The lowest percentages occurred in Northern the state and Western Alaska, where districts are increasingly relying upon teachers who come in the Philippines.
Its style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”We have the capacity to expand our education program,” UA President Pat Pitney stated. “We need to enroll more students. .”
The university has a variety of ways to attract teachers in the state, such as mentor programs to help early career teachers as well as an educator placement program designed to aid school districts in filling the vacant positions. It also assists with Educators Rising, a nationwide program that aims to help students at high schools pursue teaching careers.
“But there are things that go beyond the things that the university is able to accomplish,” Pitney said, in reference to teacher salary and retirement systems.
Weiss said that she’s anticipating advocating for changes to state policies in her new job.
“If we don’t have the basic foundation of a defined benefit retirement plan and sufficient funding It will be much more difficult to attract students into this field.” she explained.
Weiss announced her resignation from the position of superintendent in October. She’ll remain in Juneau for her new position that starts on July 1.
