A shortage of certified technology teachers has prompted Howard County public schools to offer computer teachers training to meet new requirements.
“We are now going to be faced with teachers who would teach software [applications courses] who no longer have credentials to teach more sophisticated classes,” said schools spokeswoman Patti Caplan.
Current computer classes will not count toward high school graduation because of changes in state requirements. Howard requested a waiver for one year, so changes begin in fall 2008.
Starting with the class of 2012, high schoolers must take classes more geared toward engineering.
Howard will need between 15 and 17 new technology education teachers for the new classes, said Rich Weisenhoff, coordinator of Career and Technology Education.
The catch: There aren?t enough certified technology teachers. Only one certified teacher graduated last year in Maryland, Caplan said.
The school system has offered the software applications teachers a chance to be certified in technology education through a professional development course next year, Weisenhoff said.
The response has been positive.
A Hammond High School teacher, Alan Kostrick, 25, jumped at the chance.
“I figured if they offer the training, why not grab that up,” he said.
Although many students need the basic skills taught in the software class, the engineering experience could serve the students well with more hands-on application, he said.
The school system also has to make changes to the computer labs including new equipment, which is expected to cost about $650,000, Weisenhoff said.
More concerning is the future of the new courses, Weisenhoff said.
Teachers may retire, or those with engineering technology experience could be lured to private industry jobs, he said.
