I was very interested in the article about the shortage of nurses in Maine. There also is a shortage, which is expected to grow, of teachers in Maine.

The Department of Education, with the support and of the governor, has come up with some creative solutions to this problem. One that could help the nursing shortage is the alternative licensing procedure. One does not need to have a teaching certificate, and therefore a background in pedagogy. The new teacher can get a transitional certificate, basically learns on the job, and only has to meet certain requirements set forth by the state by a certain time.

The mean maximum teaching salary in Maine with a bachelor’s degree is $38,864. The average nurse’s salary last year was $42,240. I am sure if people are willing to enter teaching, while learning on the job, they would also be willing to enter nursing and do the same. Many teachers in my system with 25 or more years experience make less than those average nurses. I bet they would be willing to change careers.

Mildred A. Cannon

Bradley