College Offers Accelerated Program to Help Ease NH’s Teacher Shortage

A New Hampshire college is offering a new program to help ease the state’s teacher shortage.

Officials with White Mountains Community College say the school is partnering with Plymouth State University to create the Educator Fast Track Program.

The program enables students to earn a special education certificate, followed by an associate degree in teacher education.

Officials say students can transfer credits to Plymouth State University, where they can proceed to earn the remaining, required 42 credits for a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, paving the way for full teacher certification.

State officials say more than 20,000 secondary teacher positions will need to be filled between now and the end of 2030.