DENVER — Most Colorado kids have been back in school for a few weeks now. While students and teachers are getting into a groove, districts across the state are still trying to figure out how to fill some gaps when it comes to teacher shortages.
“Historically, I think we really struggle in our rural districts, particularly our remote rural districts,” said Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Commissioner Susan Cordova.
The most recent data from the Colorado Department of Education during the 2023-2024 school year shows 1,436 positions across the state were left unfilled.
Mapleton Public Schools is trying something new this school year with the hope of preventing teacher burnout and providing more support.
Dani Cerna teaches sixth grade math and science at Trailside Academy, which is part of Mapleton Public Schools. She’s been a teacher for a total of seven years, four spent at Mapleton.
“It’s so rewarding. It brings so much joy to my life,” said Cerna.
A rewarding job that comes with a lot of extra work outside school hours like lesson planning, grading papers and more in a profession with historically low pay.