Amid national teacher shortage, UConn School of Education boosts enrollment

Connor Linskey, The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.
·1 min read

Feb. 2—STORRS MANSFIELD — In an effort to combat the state and nationwide teacher shortage, the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education has increased enrollment and expanded its program locations.

" We've heard from many alumni and schools across the state and their requests for support as they battle these shortages," Neag School Dean Jason G. Irizarry said in a press release. " The interest in and applications for our teacher education program is high, and we're doing everything possible to expand the pool of highly qualified teachers to meet the needs of Connecticut's schools."

According to Mikala Kane, director of communications and digital strategy for the school of education, total student enrollment in the Neag School's Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates has returned to pre- pandemic levels and has actually increased by about three percent from 2017 to 2022. The 11- month, full- time program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to earn their teacher certification in a specific subject area. It operates out of UConn's four regional campuses: Avery Point,

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