The Professional Standards & Teacher Education Board meeting held on November 14, 2024, focused on addressing the ongoing teacher shortage in Maryland and the collaborative efforts among local school systems. Key representatives from St. Mary's County and Calvert County Public Schools highlighted their partnership aimed at tackling challenges outlined in the state's educational blueprint.

Jeff Marr, Chief Strategic Officer for St. Mary's County Public Schools, along with Sarah Lorrick and Chris Mahollan Miller, emphasized the importance of collaboration among the three counties—St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles. They have been working together to implement strategies that address the teacher shortage, which is a critical issue affecting educational quality.

Superintendent Scott Smith of St. Mary's County provided context for the meeting, noting that the discussions stemmed from a recent summit held at the University System of Southern Maryland. This summit included participation from various higher education institutions and aimed to align efforts in improving teacher education and recruitment.

The meeting underscored the commitment of local education leaders to work together and leverage resources from higher education to enhance teacher preparation and retention. As the teacher shortage continues to pose challenges, the collaborative approach taken by these school systems may serve as a model for addressing similar issues statewide.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the significance of partnerships in education and the proactive steps being taken to ensure that schools are equipped with qualified teachers to support student success. Further developments from this collaboration are anticipated as the school systems continue to refine their strategies.