Shortage of Teachers in Rural Alaska

SOURCE www.npr.org
Due to a shortage of teachers in rural districts in Alaska, foreign teachers are being brought in using special visas such as the J-1 Visa program. These teachers, primarily from the Philippines, are making significantly more money in Alaska and have access to resources and technologies that are not as readily available in their home country.

Key Points

  • Shortage of teachers in rural districts in Alaska
  • Utilization of special visas like the J-1 Visa program to bring in foreign teachers
  • Challenges and benefits faced by foreign teachers in adapting to the Alaskan environment and culture
  • Efforts to retain foreign teachers for longer durations using visas like the H-1B Visa

Pros

  • Foreign teachers are able to make significantly more money in Alaska compared to their home country.
  • Access to teaching tools and technologies that are not readily available in the Philippines.
  • Cultural exchange benefits for both teachers and students.

Cons

  • 20% of teaching positions in the Kuspuk School District are still unfilled despite hiring foreign teachers.
  • Foreign teachers on J-1 Visas are limited to staying for a maximum of five years.