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In face of teacher shortage, Colorado Department of Education seeks public help to formulate plan

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DENVER — Facing a drastic shortage of teachers in the State of Colorado, the Colorado Department of Education is formulating a plan with the help of the public.

Employees, parents, students, community members and more are welcome to attend a series of town hall meetings in a host of areas to help draft an action plan to remedy the issue.

"Educators make all other professions possible, and we must do all we can to lift the profession and retain top talent in the classroom," Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, said.

At the town halls, the groups will review incentives to attract teachers, including the perception of education, compensation and more. 

Meetings are already underway, the most recent on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at CSU. The rest of the dates follow below:

  • Monday, July 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Cherry Creek School District Instructional Support Facility, 5416 S. Riviera Way, Centennial, CO 80015 
  • Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Mile High United Way CoBank Leadership Center, 711 Park Ave. West, Denver, CO 80205 
  • Wednesday, Aug. 2 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Colorado Mountain College – Leadville Campus, 901 U.S. 24, Leadville, CO 80461
  • Monday, Aug. 7 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Centennial Hall Auditorium, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 
  • Thursday, Aug. 10 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Otis High School, 518 Dungan St., Otis, CO 80743 
  • Aug. 14 or 15 at Ignacio High School, 315 Ignacio Street, Ignacio, CO 81137 (date TBD) 
  • Friday, Aug. 18 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at East Central BOCES Office, 820 Second St., Limon, CO 80828 
  • Monday, Aug. 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Las Animas High School, 300 Grove Ave., Las Animas, CO 81054