As is the case in many industries, many school districts have been operating with less teachers and staff this school year.

District 79 Representative Dustin Hite says there will be several topics of discussion and legislation coming to the Education committee, of which he is chair, and he intends to discuss a shortage of needed employees in schools.

Hite says legislation he is working on would streamline the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL) program, which is currently a two-year path for working professionals to earn their teaching license.

He says there are several qualified individuals who could bolster teaching rosters across the state, and while he appreciates the high standards needed to be in classroom, Hite feels it’s too difficult for those residents to have to put their own careers potentially on hold for two years and to spend close to $14,000 to join the profession.

Hear more about the 2022 Legislative Session on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.