Boise State, U.S. Department of Education partner to address Idaho’s teacher shortage

Project TRAIL (Teacher Residency, Academy for Induction, and Leadership), Maxine Johnson Elementary School, Parma, ID, photo by Priscilla Grover

It's no secret: Idaho needs more teachers.

According to five-year averages, the state requires approximately 2,000 teachers each year to fill vacancies. More than 40% of first-year teachers leave Idaho schools within their five years. Rural and high-need schools often experience even greater difficulties recruiting and retaining educators.

Boise State is stepping in to fill this gap. The university recently received an $8 million award from the U.S. Department of Education (administered in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor) to better support new teachers and improve literacy access in Southwestern Idaho.

Boise State was one of 12 institutions nationwide selected this year for funding through the Teacher Quality Partnership Grants program.

What is Project TRAIL?

The five-year initiative, called Project TRAIL (Teacher Residency Academy for Induction and Leadership), will create a partnership between Boise State's College of Education and Public Service and nine Idaho school districts: Caldwell, Kuna, Marsing, Middleton, Nampa, Notus, Parma, Weiser and Wilder.

Project TRAIL will provide stable mentorship and financial support to 75 new teachers, preparing them to enter and remain in Idaho districts. The project will also provide educational resources to kids and their families in the partner districts.

Principal investigator Hannah Carter and co-principal investigators Megan Lynch, Katie Conley, Sherry Dismuke and Jackie Miller, faculty members in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Community Engagement, will lead Project TRAIL. Other department faculty and staff will also contribute expertise.

How will Project TRAIL support new Idaho teachers?

Project TRAIL (Teacher Residency, Academy for Induction, and Leadership), Maxine Johnson Elementary School, Parma, ID, photo by Priscilla Grover

Project TRAIL will begin by selecting teacher residents from Boise State's Master's in Teaching programs - including elementary, secondary, and special education - who are seeking initial certification in the state of Idaho.

Each of the chosen residents will serve in a summer residency at one of the nine Idaho school districts, where they will learn about district priorities and resources. They'll also agree on expectations for literacy instruction - which means teaching kids to read, write and communicate - in their district.

Then, the teacher residents will spend one academic year working in the same district where they completed their summer residency.

Teacher residents will receive $6,000 to participate in the summer residency, and $32,000 during the year-long teacher residency. After completing the program, teacher residents will commit to teaching for at least three years in a high-need school within one of the partner districts.

There will be a 2027-2028 academic year cohort of 20 residents; a 2028-2029 academic year of 25 residents; and a 2029-2030 academic year of 30 cohorts.

After their resident year is complete, teachers will stay involved with Project TRAIL through the Early Career Teacher Academy, a two-year induction program that combines district and university support. Early career teachers will work with a district mentor, a literacy specialist or instructional coach, Boise State faculty and an induction coordinator, and will receive a $4,000 stipend during each year of induction.

Boise State President David Hahn and Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, Maxine Johnson Elementary School, Parma, Photo by Torin Alm

"Whether we're talking about gains in early literacy for our youngest learners or dedicated workforce preparation for students preparing for life after high school, our teachers are the driving force behind these positive outcomes," said Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. "Developing and supporting highly trained educators is an ongoing statewide goal; we know it matters for our students, schools and communities. I'd like to thank Boise State University and our district partners for coming to the table for educator effectiveness and student success."

How will Project TRAIL support experienced teachers?

Throughout Project TRAIL, teacher residents will work alongside experienced mentor teachers in the partner districts.

Mentors will receive compensation for the time and expertise they contribute to preparing residents. They will also be able to earn a graduate certificate in teacher leadership and pursue additional pathways in instructional leadership.

How will the project help improve kids' reading, writing and critical thinking skills?

Through Project TRAIL, early career teachers will become better prepared to discuss each child's individual learning needs with their families. Mentor teachers will help guide that work and ensure it reflects district priorities and community needs.

Project TRAIL also will establish a Family and Teacher Resource Library. Through this Library, families will be able to take home literacy kits containing activities designed to improve kids' reading and writing skills.

Educators and families in partner districts will get access to Boise State's Literacy Lab, allowing them to participate in literacy workshops, consultations and more.

"Our residents will learn evidence-based reading instruction, and just as importantly, how to partner with families in mutually beneficial ways," said the project's principal investigator, Hannah Carter. "Families are essential partners in children's literacy development."

What are the project's long-term goals?

Project TRAIL's long-term goals are to:

• Prepare teachers to address local needs
• Support teachers during the years when they are most likely to leave
• Give educators opportunities to grow as leaders in the communities they serve

Stakeholders will meet regularly to ensure they are meeting these goals. Annual summits will bring together residents, early career teachers, mentors, district leaders and Boise State faculty to review results and share strategies across district lines.

The project will track teacher preparation, effectiveness and retention, along with teacher leadership, family participation and student learning. Findings and district feedback will be used to strengthen the program throughout the five-year grant.

The ultimate aim is to build a system that lasts far beyond the five years.

"This grant exemplifies the College of Education and Public Service's commitment to serving Idaho and impacting youth through expertly trained teachers," said Interim Dean, College of Education & Public Service Andrew Finstuen. "I am grateful to our district partners, our dedicated and visionary faculty who pursued this opportunity, and for the learning and opportunity it will inspire for generations to come."

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