Jones shares state board highlights

As summer ends, I want to acknowledge the start of the 2023-24 school year. Although I've been retired for five years, I have not forgotten the feelings of anticipation mixed with a few butterflies in the stomach wondering what the school year will hold. What an opportunity school employees have to make a difference in not only the present lives of our children but their future as well. Don't underestimate your influence, and thank you, in advance, for all you are going to do. Yours is a noble work indeed.

The August state board of education meeting began by recognizing two Nebraska students who were named national officers in their career technical student organizations. One of the students mentioned how Educators Rising, a CTSO, impacted her time in school and helped open doors to her future. Educators Rising holds promise in addressing our educator shortage by encouraging high school students to enter the teaching profession. Does your school district have an Educators Rising organization? Thirty school districts in Nebraska do. To find out more, I encourage you to visit the Educators Rising website at http://www.educatorsrisingnebraska.

Because your state legislature, SBOE and Nebraska Department of Education are serious about addressing the teacher shortage, the new Nebraska Teacher Apprenticeship Program was discussed and approved. NDE has been appropriated $1 million dollars to implement the program. The intention of this program is to help "recruit and increase the number of teachers throughout the state by utilizing an apprenticeship model for training." Many of these apprentices will be paraprofessionals serving within Nebraska schools. Additionally, the Rules and Regulations Committee, chaired by Elizabeth Tegtmeier, is working diligently to address the educator shortage via policy, working to remove barriers for people desiring to enter the profession. s Commissioner Dr. Brian Maher's first board meeting. Board members finalized goals and expectations for his first year. Performance expectations include evaluating the status of statewide assessment, developing an understanding of the internal operations of NDE, including reviewing its existing strategic plan, evaluating the existing communication strategies involving the board, within the NDE and the public and, lastly, building relationships with various entities involved in Nebraska education. Maher appears well-poised to take on these expectations.

Thanks to those of you from District 6 who submitted nominations for Nebraska Teacher of the Year by the Aug. 1 deadline. I understand there were many submissions from outstate Nebraska (insert smiling emoji). The selection process is underway.

District 6 spotlight: In May, I attended the Open House of the Umo Ho Nation's Against the Current Career Academy located in Macy. (Omaha means against the current.) The six pathways of the academy are automotive, construction, nursing, early childhood, entrepreneurship and culinary. It is an amazing facility with programs offering much opportunity for area students. I look forward to hearing student testimonies in the future.

Per SBOE policy, two of our yearly public meetings are held outside of Lincoln. Our next board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8 at the Leadership Center in Aurora. If you are unable to attend, you may view live video coverage via the NDE website.