New program designed to get more teachers into rural Catholic schools

HARTINGTON — Area Catholic education officials came together here last week to announce a plan they hope will help reduce the teacher shortage problem in rural Catholic schools.

The Seton Education Scholars program provides $10,000 renewable college scholarships to education majors at Mount Marty University, representatives of Mount Marty said at a press conference Thursday at Cedar Catholic High School.

The plan is a win-win, said Fr. Jim Keiter. The scholarship program will benefit aspiring teachers and bring more educators to Catholic schools in rural Nebraska.

Recipients must be a practicing Catholic and commit to teaching for three years following graduation at a rural Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Omaha or any Catholic school in the Diocese of Sioux Falls.

“This is a tremendous blessing, not only for future Catholic school teachers but also to the Catholic schools in our rural communities and the students who attend them,” said Vickie Kauffold, Archdiocese of Omaha Superintendent of Schools.

Marlene Ricketts of Omaha made the lead $250,000 gift to the program. Interested students should contact the Mount Marty University Office of Admissions.

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