FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2024
Evers Vetoes Legislation to Alleviate the Teacher Shortage
Milwaukee, Madison, rural western Wisconsin excluded from Gov. Evers plan
DELAFIELD, WI – Today, Governor Evers vetoed Senate Bill (SB) 917 – the teacher apprenticeship bill – which would have given every four-year college in Wisconsin another tool to help solve the teacher shortage.
WHAT IT MEANS: Wisconsin needs to graduate more great teachers. 18% of the teachers we do get quit before their third year. 30 states and counting are fixing it with “teacher apprenticeships” – integrating two years of real-life, mentor-led classroom training into the college experience. This quadruples student teaching practice while lowering debt.
SB 917 would have gotten more teachers into the classroom by raising teaching standards and lowering other barriers to graduation. All four-year colleges could have opted in to solving the teacher shortage crisis.
WHY IT MATTERS: Governor Evers will introduce a teacher apprenticeship pilot program in 2024 that is, indeed, a step in the right direction. Students would begin at a technical college and finish their bachelor’s online.
However, students in Milwaukee, Madison, Wisconsin Rapids, and rural western Wisconsin will not be able to access this affordable, experience-based program at their local technical colleges. Those are the highest-need regions in the state!
QUOTE: “Teacher apprenticeships work for educators, taxpayers, and students. That’s why we are disappointed in Governor Evers’ decision to veto this bill. We cannot solve the teacher shortage with one hand tied behind our back. So, we look forward to working with the Administration, public and private schools, colleges, and First Nations to ensure every child has an incredible teacher.” – IRG Executive Vice President Chris Reader
For questions, contact Courtney Mullen: cm@reforminggovernment.org.
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IRG Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) advocacy partner to the Institute for Reforming Government.