Westminster Public Schools Tackles Teacher Shortages and Mental Health with Existing Staff in Colorado: A Story by Gabriela Vidal

Westminster Public Schools in Colorado is taking innovative steps to tackle teacher shortages and prioritize the mental health of existing staff members. With a high starting salary for teachers, the district has still faced challenges in recruiting new educators. To address this issue, they have launched a program to help current non-teaching staff members become licensed educators.

Chief of Staff Kirchers Leday shared that the district is working to remove barriers for staff members interested in becoming teachers. They are providing support in the form of information sessions with local universities, evaluating existing credits that can expedite the process, and offering incentives such as continued benefits during unpaid student teaching periods.

Additionally, the district has created a new position, the director of wellness, to focus on the mental health and social needs of employees. This role aims to provide support for staff members experiencing crises and ensure they can be productive at work.

First-grade teacher Germaine Santistevan-Watts, who transitioned to teaching later in life, shared her rewarding experience in the classroom. She encourages those considering a career in teaching to volunteer in classrooms to see if it’s the right fit for them.

With these initiatives in place, Westminster Public Schools is committed to supporting its staff and addressing the challenges of teacher shortages in the education system.