Arizona has been struggling with a teacher shortage for several years, but the problem is not unique. Other states and districts are dealing with similar problems, and some have been trying different approaches to close those gaps.

In Denver, for example, when the new school year starts Monday, some novice teachers will be part of a new pilot program aimed at making sure they’re prepared to lead a classroom, and that they won’t get burned out and quit teaching.

The system is starting with six teachers in three schools, who’ll be called "associate teachers."

The Show spoke to Debbie Hearty, chief human resources officer for the Denver Public Schools, and Laney Shaler, the district’s director of teacher pathways and development, about the program.