International educators help alleviate South Dakota teacher shortage

With teacher shortages hitting rural schools hard, South Dakota is turning to international educators to keep classrooms staffed. More than 400 foreign teachers now work in the state, many from the Philippines, bringing years of experience and a commitment to students. Schools like Crow Creek Tribal School have embraced the program, prioritizing certified teachers over virtual instruction. The transition isn’t easy—winter alone is a shock—but for these teachers, the opportunity is life-changing, both for their students and for the families they support back home.

Why does this matter in North Dakota? We’ve got worker shortages in many professions; we need to be on the lookout for solutions wherever they may come.

Bart Pfankuch

South Dakota News Watch

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