How are local school districts dealing with a growing teacher shortage?

Lexington District 2 in the Cayce-West Columbia area offers contract signing bonuses and competitive pay.

With a 4.1% unemployment rate and other problems in gaining and retaining teachers, District 3 has felt the impact of a national teacher shortage.

“Hiring is always challenging — finding the right applicants who are the right fit for your school district — but the teacher candidate pools used to have at least adequate numbers,” said Dr. Angela Cooper, the district chief human resources officer.

Fewer qualified candidates apply, she said. That is likely “part of the trend of fewer people entering the education field.”

The district is trying out a $2,500 signing bonus for special education teachers and instructors in math, science and foreign languages.

The district aims to ensure the salaries they offer will attract teachers who might otherwise apply only to larger districts.

“The district and our school board also remain committed to keeping our teacher salaries competitive with our larger neighboring districts,” said Cooper.

The school uses:

- Recruiting events, some out-of-state.

- New methods to prepare teachers for the job.

- Social media and billboards.

Low wages, long hours and fewer graduates entering the field have contributed to widespread teacher shortfalls across the state.

The end of the Teacher and Employment Retention Incentive Program has had an effect.

The TERI program allowed retired teachers to continue on salary as they work in the district and bank retirement pay.

“Many of the public school districts we know are facing similar challenges in hiring certified, qualified candidates in these areas,”she said.