Conn. (WTNH) – There was a nationwide teacher shortage even before the pandemic, so much so that Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive order designed to allow schools more flexibility to deal with the shortage.
What could be considered would be increasing class sizes and asking professors to teach additional courses.
“They’re not long-term solutions. Teachers can’t stand them. We know large classes are unproductive,” said Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association.
However, it can reach districts that are really feeling the pinch, and as we know, there’s a funding disparity between the bigger cities and the suburbs. Now is the time to get creative, and in Waterbury, they’re doing just that with a new program launching this fall.
“One exciting thing I want to tell you about is Waterbury U, which will offer our paraprofessionals, our teachers and our administrators the opportunity to earn some credential,” said Dr. Verna Ruffin, Superintendent of Schools Waterbury. “It could definitely influence his salary.”
In some districts, teachers who have retired in recent years are being reached out to return, and with staff stretched then, even substitute teachers are needed.
In Amity Regional District No. 5, which covers Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge, that’s not a problem.
“We’ve always had a practice of hiring what we call construction subs. So these are people who come to school every day,” said Amity Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Byars. “It’s like a steady, enjoyable job, and we’re able to put them in classrooms.”
Some teachers will leave for a district that pays more money, but other improvements must be made to get people excited about pursuing a career in education again.
“What we want to make sure is that these are places where people want to go to work, people want to feel connected and respected,” Dias said. “I think the real solution is a longer reach and asking the big question of how do we make schools great places to work as well as great places to learn.”
In addition, Byars explained that the pandemic has affected both staff and students, as well as families.
“It’s certainly there, but I think we have some strength and stamina to be able to carry the weight of that burden now,” Byars said.
Byars also said there has been more work to be done as administrators and fewer pandemic-related issues, as well as less of a sense of thin ice over the past two years.
BYARS ALSO SAID THERE IS MORE WORK TO BE DONE AS ADMINISTRATORS-
AND LESS PANDEMIC RELATED PROBLEMS.. AND LESS FEELING OF ICE END THAN THE LAST 2 YEARS