SEELEY LAKE – Science class at Seeley-Swan High School will have a different look this year for students. The year will start without an in-person instructor. Former instructor Gretchen Watkins accepted a position with Big Sky High School in Missoula at the end of the school year.
“I don’t blame her one bit, that’s the unfortunate part,” said SSHS Principal Shawn Holmes.
The Missoula County Public School District posted the open position in mid-June.
“We have had no applicants apply for the position,” Holmes said. “I think it’s more of an ongoing trend in the world of education rather than a Seeley-Swan High School issue.”
Holmes explained teachers are retiring after 25 to 30 years in the classroom, rather than staying 40 years and less high school graduates are electing education as a career.
One can look at the Montana Office of Public Instruction website and see several positions open, not just in science but other areas throughout the state that just haven’t been filled, Holmes said.
The school year will start with the use of Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) for earth science, biology and physics.
“The reason we chose MTDA is they have qualified instructors that are teaching right now in various high schools throughout the state,” Holmes said. “I know the Earth Science teacher teaches at Arlee. He was named Science Teacher of the Year last year. It’s better than a regular online class where there is no teacher to contact with questions. The teacher does interact with the students through e-mail and they grade written papers where most of your online courses are multiple choice graded by a computer.”
Holmes looked at alternative options such as a student teacher but that person would require an instructional coach. He pointed out the current instructional coach already has two periods of coaching with their own classes to teach in the afternoon.
Holmes said they hope to fill the position by second semester as people finish their student teaching positions this fall.
MCPS employs all SSHS teachers. Therefore, they are paid at the same level as Missoula area staff. According to Holmes, Missoula County is in the top two percent in the state for pay.
“However, again, it’s still finding a place to live,” Holmes said.
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