State officials searching for solutions to keep teachers in North Dakota

(Bismarck, ND) -- North Dakota continues to need teachers.  That's the word from officials, who say the state is experiencing a teacher shortage.  

North Dakota education officials say the shortage - which also is being seen in other states - comes down to retention issues related to teacher salaries. Last summer, Governor Doug Burgum announced a state program to "focus on teacher recruitment and retention."  Teachers advocacy group sources, meanwhile, assert that, while salaries have increased over the past several years, teachers typically put in longer hours away from the workplace than workers in most other mainstream career fields.

A recent survey from North Dakota United found 88% of educators believe retention will be an issue going into the 2023-2024 school year.