World language distance learning program hopes to ease teacher shortage in Nebraska

BEATRICE, NE — In recent years, Nebraska’s teacher shortage problem has become clearer and clearer. In fact from last school year to this school year, the number of world language teachers in the state has dropped by 24 percent, according to Educational Service Unit 5 World Language Coordinator Dr. Nick Ziegler.

But there are ways to combat the growing problem. With some collaboration, dedicated educators and programs like Zoom, distance learning is helping fill that gap.

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It’s a normal day of teaching for Amy Wiedel. It’s her final Spanish class of the day. After 15 years in a traditional classroom setting, now she goes through the day’s lesson from her office at Educational Service Unit (ESU) 5 in Beatrice, Neb. Her students are hundreds of miles away.

“The relationships came about also. They take a little more work," Wiedel said. "They take a little more questioning, but I have found you can build the relationships through distance learning also.”

Hitchcock County High School in Trenton, Neb. is just one of three districts in which Wiedel instructs. She’s part of a group of seven who teach Spanish to over 400 students in 16 school districts across rural Nebraska.

“Also in those rural communities, there are Spanish speakers that are there and they can build those relationships," Wiedel said. "I think it’s important for those students in those areas to have those same opportunities as students in those larger areas.”

The ESU 5 World Language Distance Learning Program is headed up by its coordinator Dr. Nick Ziegler. He says 27 percent of Nebraska school districts do not have a World Language teacher. Of the seven teachers in the program, four are based in Beatrice, the other three are in La Vista, Neb.

“Even with seven educators, we are nowhere near meeting the need for distance learning or for world language education within those districts that do not have a world language teacher on staff,” Ziegler said.

Daunting as a task as it is, the folks at the ESU 5 World Language Program are determined to fill that hole with the tech at their disposal.

“The teacher is standing at the front of the classroom through that TV, but its live interaction just like if the teacher were standing there in the classroom with the students,” Ziegler said.

It’s not all virtual though. The teachers visit their districts at least once a quarter to meet students face-to-face.

MaryAnn Johnson, for example make those trips to Leigh Public Schools (LPS) — another of the 16 districts utilizing the program.

LPS Superintendent Cole Fischer says it fills a vital need for them.

“I’m not sure that if we would have an opening for a foreign language teacher, we would get even one applicant at this point," he said. "I would be surprised.”

While maybe not a core subject, a world language class can still be critical for kids wanting to move onto college.

“Most, if not all, universities that are four-year, require at least two years of foreign language," Fischer said. "If we’re not offering that, our students will be at a shortfall when applying to these colleges.”

The ESU 5 World Language Program offers Spanish classes to all levels of students. The two most advanced courses can be taken for dual credit through Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Not only is it needed, according to a survey of students in the distance learning classes, it’s working. Students were asked to rank the enjoyment, motivation, task value and efficacy of the classes on a scale of 1-4, four being the best.

Students were surveyed in the form of statements such as, "I enjoy my distance learning class," or "I find real value in learning Spanish." A response of "1" meant the student strongly disagreed with the statement. A response of "4" meant they strongly agreed with it. 

Three of the categories returned a result above three on average. The results are listed below:

Enjoyment: 3.11
Motivation: 2.93
Task Value: 3.29
Efficacy: 3.14

“To me, there’s quality learning happening," Fischer said. "If there wasn’t we would explore different ways, but at this point we’re very satisfied and our students are learning the foreign language very very well.”

At the root of the success, Ziegler says, is the teachers and collaboration. The districts provide proctors, whether it’s a paraprofessional, counselor or even an administrator. They hand out and collect worksheets, correct behavior if needed and even decorate the classrooms.

“That’s stuff that doesn’t take my time and now I’m able to spend more time on the curriculum, building materials and just getting to know the students and giving them productive feedback,” Wiedel said.

“It’s people working together for the benefit of the students of Nebraska," Fischer said. "There’s numerous school districts that are a part of this, we just happen to be one of them. It shows you the things we can do to get creative in order to provide for our students and across the state.”

Now Ziegler looks to expand his program and hire more teachers to continue to try to meet the need.

"Number one is to ensure students across the state have equitable access to learning opportunities in their communities,” Ziegler said.

And Fischer believes districts with the need should make the investment.

“We’re happy to be a part of it and I would give my fullest recommendation to be part of the program. A, because of the quality and B, the people that are running it.”

The program is currently partially funded through money brought in by the Nebraska Lottery. The current appropriation plan expires after the 2023-24 school year. Ziegler is testifying to state lawmakers next week on LB 705. The bill will decided how Nebraska Lottery funds are distributed in the future.