MISSOULA — Teachers from schools in Helena, Bozeman, Baker and Power told lawmakers that escalating student behavioral issues, low teacher pay, lack of mentorship and inadequate funding for districts — in some cases leading to schools not having heat — all contribute to educators leaving the field.

The educators spoke Thursday on a panel before the School Funding Interim Commission, which is conducting the once-every-decade study of Montana school funding.

Math teacher at Helena High School, and previous winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Jake Warner, said the state is already in a teacher shortage crisis.

“I would argue that the house is already on fire,” he said. “We just haven’t been burned yet.”

Funding for “the basics”

Power Schoo

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