SD Senate Panel Endorses Teacher Recruitment Plan

A South Dakota Senate committee has endorsed a scholarship plan aimed at recruiting new teachers for math, science and other critically needed subjects.

The Education Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the idea and send the bill to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which will review the measure because it would spend money.

The measure's main sponsor, Sen. Tim Rave of Baltic, says South Dakota colleges are not turning out enough new teachers to replace those who are retiring in school districts.

The bill would give scholarships to college students who agree to teach in critically needed subjects for at least five years after graduation. Students preparing for teaching careers could get scholarships to cover tuition for their final two years in a private or public college.