This idea is fairly straightforward. Educators who teach dual credit courses are not currently compensated for the additional responsibilities that come with teaching a college-level curriculum. When I attended NWTC, the cost of credits was approximately $500 each. At present, the district fully covers the cost of these credits, allowing students to earn them at no expense. While this is an excellent opportunity for students, it is important to ensure that the financial burden placed on the district is managed effectively and that educators are fairly compensated for their efforts.

As a district, we should prioritize negotiating lower rates for approved dual credit courses. Partnering more closely with the college would allow for better oversight, ensuring that our students not only meet the college’s academic standards but exceed them. By aligning compensation with student participation, we can create a fair and sustainable model that benefits both educators and the district. A reasonable proposal would be to provide teachers with additional compensation of approximately $25 per student enrolled in a dual credit course.

Furthermore, this initiative could be paired with efforts to promote the “Turbocharge with College Credit” program, which encourages high school students to graduate with at least 15 college credits. By combining fair compensation for educators with a strong emphasis on preparing students for higher education, the district can create a well-rounded and effective system that benefits everyone involved.