How Teacher Shortages Impact Elementary Schools
The term “teacher shortage “ has been a growing national problem over the years. Many feel Covid asurbated this issue. However, in rural Montana it isn’t just a problem, it is a dire situation. Many positions go unfilled for years. In a recent article, I addressed what schools are doing to accomplish this daunting task. Everything from emergency licenses to hiring foreign teachers, to paying staff members for teaching additional sections. The state university system has created a pilot program that helps to recruit pre service educators to doing their student teaching in rural areas. Yes, districts are getting creative with filling positions! In bigger cities in Montana, this is being felt there as well. Typically the larger districts pay more, so there has been less of a challenge to fill “essential” positions. Not to say that there aren’t unnecessary positions in an elementary setting. In districts that are functioning, like mine, there is still the issue of substitute shortages. This is an ever growing problem. Teacher salary is often the reason for unfilled positions. Now imagine the wages of our substitutes. What can districts do to tackle this situation?
Utilizing Current Staff
Support Staff or Roving Substitute- This allows students to be supervised as normal under a substitute but the staff member has already built relationships with students and other staff.
Preparation Time-teachers are often asked to give up their prep and lunch. In some districts this is voluntary and a teacher receives pay. Since it is voluntary, many of the vacancies may still go unfilled. So it leads to the next step, dividing students.
Divide students- another option that is less favorable, is to divide up a class into the other classes within the grade level. This then creates an atmosphere that isn’t conducive to teamwork. Teachers may feel they are letting their team down if they are gone.
Lastly, prioritizing Programs- Programs that provide preparation time often are viewed as necessary. Intervention and library sometimes viewed and those staff members are pulled to fill in as needed.
Many consider other options
Lower requirements- the idea of “any warm body” in charge of the education of students is frightening. By lowering the standards to become licensed teachers and substitutes is a reality in many states.
Higher wages-With ESSR funds, many districts increased their substitute pay. Many question the sustainability of this option.
Incentives for teachers. While thinking that teachers will use less time off, this is not ideal. However, utilizing staff to cover shortages actually fuels this problem. Teachers feel guilty for requesting time off. Most teachers would appreciate being able to use their time off leave, but when it comes to retirement teachers may feel differently.
Plan calendars and alternative schedules- school days labeled at “black out” or required attendance day makes it more difficult to ask for time off.
Conclusion
As districts make conscientious efforts to combat teacher shortages, they also need to be mindful of substitute shortages. Whatever option school districts choose to handle these shortages will ultimately have an impact on learning, safety. and programs offered by the school. As stakeholders, you can provide resources to help teachers meet the daily demands of instruction. Online programs can offer a solution to overloaded teachers. By working together, we can creatively find solutions.
Written by: Teresa Marchant
School Librarian at LOCKWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 26
Teresa has been an educator for over 25 years. She holds a Master’s in Educational Technology with an emphasis in Online Instruction from Montana State University as well as a certificate in School Library Media from the University of Washington. Over the years she has served in many capacities at the state and local level. Highlights include being the Vice Chair of the Certification Standards and Practices Advisory Council to the Montana Board of Public Education, a member of the School Leadership Team and Chair of the Professional Development Committee for her school district, and a member of the Montana Library Association board. She loves learning and enjoys helping others!
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