Beebe speaks out on math and science teacher shortage

Governor Mike Beebe is challenging the deans of colleges to recruit math and science teachers and more students for the program. He wants college deans and chancellors to find a way to multiply the math and science programs in the state.

"If we can train our young people, they will be more proficient in engineering, math, science, technology, then it enhances their chances for a better job and better income," Beebe said.

Educators say there are two reasons why there's a shortage of teachers and students going into math and science. The first reason is money.

"One reason is the pay scale," said UAPB Chacellor Dr. Calvin Johnson. "The other reason is that students want to take the easiest way for them."

But Governor Beebe wants students to know that you will pretty much always have a job in this field and points to Hewlett Packard setting up shop in Conway, creating 1,200 jobs, as an example.

But it’s these jobs that create competition for local schools.  "When we start recruiting, we're competing with business and industries," Johnson said. "They take these students as fast as we can graduate them."

"I think we have to be more aggressive in recruiting them, and with benefits," said University of Arkansas at Ft. Smith Dean Dr. Paul Beran.

In addition to recruiting more math and science teachers, Governor Beebe says test scores also need to come up.

After hearing from the Governor, educators say they are going to go back to the drawing board and re-evaluate how they are recruiting students. Both sides agree more needs to be done.