Music teacher shortage - Solutions lie within the community

SEELEY LAKE – Seeley-Swan High School senior Jared Townsend has been playing the trumpet since fourth grade. He had no idea that his senior year, SSHS may not be able to find someone to teach music. Thanks to past music director Robert Green coming out of retirement and other teachers stepping in, band and choir are offered the first semester. However second semester is still questionable.

While this is the first year Missoula County Public Schools has faced this teacher shortage, there are nearly 40 openings for music teaching positions open across the state. Without certified music teachers...