ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs invests $2M in teacher mentoring after task force issues findings

Dec 11, 2023, 1:09 PM

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs sits in a classroom with a group of elementary school students in a fi...

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is looking for ways to address Arizona's teacher shortage. (Facebook File Photo/Governor Katie Hobbs)

(Facebook File Photo/Governor Katie Hobbs)

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs didn’t take long to act after her Educator Retention Task Force reported its findings, but there are plenty of issues left to address as the state grapples with a teacher shortage.

Expanding statewide induction and mentoring programs was one of 11 recommendations made by the task force in its final report, which the panel presented during its wrap-up meeting last week.

In response, Hobbs announced that the state is investing $2 million to expand the New Teacher Support program at Northern Arizona University’s Arizona K12 Center.

“I am so glad to take the first step towards addressing the task force’s recommendations and look forward to our continued work in support of Arizona educators,” Hobbs said in a press release.

What is the Arizona Educator Retention Task Force?

Teacher retention has been an ongoing issue for Arizona schools.

Hobbs created the Educator Retention Task Force via executive order in February 2023, about a month after the Democrat took office.

The governor appointed the 19-member panel, which included one parent of a child currently in school along with a variety of education professionals from urban, rural and tribal areas.

The group, which worked with the ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy and The Hunt Institute, met for the first time in March.

After studying the issue and conducting interviews, focus groups, and an in-depth survey of current and former educators, the task force issued a report on its findings along with recommended actions.

What recommendations did education panel make?

Arizona has one of the highest teacher turnover rates in the country and lags in pay and diversity, according to the report.

The recommendations fell under the following five categories:

  • Amplifying educator voice.
  • Increasing salary and benefits.
  • Improving working conditions.
  • Developing strong pathways into the classroom.
  • Using data to inform retention.

More than a third of the recommendations were related to teacher compensation, including raising pay to align with national averages and reducing the cost of health insurance.

Arizona’s average teacher pay is about $10,000 below the national average, according to task for research.

“We have work to do to make Arizona a leader in educator retention, and I am extremely proud of the work this task force has done,” Hobbs said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Peoria Police department...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Peoria police search for vandals who caused $30-40K worth of park damage

The Peoria Police Department is asking the public for help in finding the suspect responsible for vandalizing and causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage to a local park.

51 minutes ago

Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight offered through Allegiant...

Serena O'Sullivan

Fly high: Phoenix travelers getting new nonstop flight option for Pittsburgh through Allegiant

Planning a business trip? You can now book a Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight through Allegiant at Sky Harbor International Airport.

2 hours ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Phoenix man charged after police seized 100,000 fentanyl pills

A man in Phoenix was pulled over by police during a routine traffic stop, which led to the seizure of about 100,000 blue fentanyl pills.

3 hours ago

Thomas Galvin AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Thomas Galvin on public funding for sports teams, speed of election results

On this week's edition of AZ Political Podcast, Thomas Galvin discusses public funding for sports teams and how election results can be sped up.

4 hours ago

US 60 between Superior and Miami will be closed until Friday due to blasting work that was performe...

David Veenstra

US 60 between Superior, Miami reopens following blasting

US 60 between Superior and Miami has reopened following blasting work that was performed in the area.

5 hours ago

Maricopa County 1 of 4 pharmacists sentenced for fraud...

Serena O'Sullivan

Maricopa County pharmacist among 4 sentenced in fraud conspiracy

A Maricopa County pharmacist named Raef Hamaed was one of four pharmacists sentenced for their roles in a $13 million conspiracy, officials said.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs invests $2M in teacher mentoring after task force issues findings