Urban Superintendents Want More Ways To Get Teachers In Classrooms

The teaching corps of St. Louis Public Schools is becoming older and whiter. And that concerns Superintendent Kelvin Adams.

Adams has asked the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for more flexibility and pathways to getting quality educators into classrooms. It’s something state education officials said is worth serious consideration.

Because of lower pay and higher needs among its students, SLPS has a difficult time recruiting and retaining teachers. The district has fluctuated between 60 and 80 vacancies throughout this school year.

Adams told the State Board of Education in March he’d like more flexibility in hiring teachers, including the ability to use the same so-called “80/20 rule” as charter schools. Charter schools, which are independent public schools, are allowed to use up to 20% non-certified classroom teachers. Traditional districts, such as SLPS, need to have all certified staff. Allowing traditional districts to use 80/20 would require a change of state law.

https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/urban-superintendents-want-more-ways-get-teachers-classrooms

Or here's a wild idea..... Pay people more!