Student teaching is a rite of passage for educators everywhere and can be pivotal for all future teachers’ journeys, but it comes at a cost. With fewer teachers than ever statewide, the district hopes to retain more student teachers by offering them a stipend starting next year.
“As a district, we’ve known that we’re going to have to do this eventually: to help recruit and potentially hire the best student teachers, but it’s something that’s been in talks for a few years,” Director of Human Resources Andrew Rinaldi said.
Inspired by Omaha Public School’s stipend plan, GPS will pay student teachers $4,000 per semester.
“That $4,000 will be broken up into four equal payments, which, means, $1000 in September, October, November and December,” Rinaldi said.
This doesn’t mean student teachers are guaranteed a job within GPS after graduating, but they will be the first people considered when hiring new staff such as the future art and pottery teacher Keegan Kruse. He is currently student teaching with art teacher Cassandra Stackis.
“What I admire about Mr. Kruse is that he was willing to learn to do,” Stackis said. “When he struggled, he knew he could have done better and reached out, so he’s going be a great teacher.”
Like previous years, student teachers haven’t been paid while working, and the district has had eight student teachers this spring, with two of them at East. One of them is Gretna alum, Connor Grant, who works with math teacher April Martin.
“I see a lot of teachers I’ve had before, and it’s funny to work with my old World Civ teacher, Mr. [Dave] Stasny,” Grant said. “It’s been fun and I like being a part of Gretna’s community and their policy more than other districts.”
Newcomers can learn what it’s like to work in Gretna with pay and watch the schools grow with them.
“Student teaching you get your first full taste of what it’s like to be a teacher,” Rinaldi said. “Gretna does a fabulous job of stressing academics and having a real commitment to the whole child. It’s not just about the football team winning: our one act doing well, the musical and all the clubs. We want students to be involved in something. And so I think that’s one of the great things about the Gretna district that makes it a good workplace.”
The district will have nine student teachers in the fall.
