South Iowa News

A substantial part of Gov. Kim Reynolds’s Condition of the State address was devoted to education, with the governor promising to recruit more teachers and paraeducators.

“This is a transformational opportunity that puts our schools at the center of growing their future workforce,” the governor tweeted Jan. 12. “I can’t think of a better place to recruit our future generations of teachers and paraeducators than in our own classrooms.”

Hailing the state’s teachers as “our best asset,” Reynolds announced the launch of the first teacher registered apprenticeship program in the country, which allows schools to effectively grow their own workforce, according to a transcript of the speech published by the governor’s office.

“High school apprentices start classroom instruction in their junior year and, within a year of graduation, they can earn a paraeducator credential and associates degree,” Reynolds said. “And for paraeducators, their day jobs will count toward student teaching requirements, greatly reducing the cost and time required to become a teacher. 

"The teachers of tomorrow are in our schools today. Let’s give them a head start on their journey to one of the most rewarding careers.”

The governor also announced the new Iowa Health Careers Registered Apprenticeship Program, which she hopes would help address the health care workforce shortage by giving high school students the opportunity to explore health care careers while getting paid.

“Before they even leave high school, these students can become a certified nursing assistant, and then qualify to work as a lab or surgical technician,” Reynolds said in her speech. “And within a few short years, they can go on to become an OB tech, RN or BSN — all while being paid.”