MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Teacher recruitment and retention are issues many school districts across the nation are facing.
The search is on for teachers, counselors, support staff, and more as the new school year quickly approaches.
“I’ve been struggling to find a job for the past years. Since I’ve finished my master’s program. I have experience in data analytics, so I’m here to find a job tailored to research and just getting data to help the kids in their performance,” said Tronlyn Thompson, attendee.
A 2024 report by the Tennessee Department of Education shows there were a total of 7,441 vacant positions across the state during the 2023-2024 school year.
Memphis Shelby County School leaders are expecting over 800 applicants to come to the teaching and learning academy in hopes of filling vacancies across the district.
“We have a hiring manager here if you’re interested in trade positions, for example, if you’re interested in roofing, plumbing, welding,” said Lashundia Brooks, executive director for human resources.
From low salaries to fewer people going into the teaching profession, those are only a couple of contributors negatively affecting districts across the country.
However, helping kids with character building and establishing a love for the arts is the focus for attendee Terrance Harris.
“I’ve been wanting to be a teacher ever since I was a little kid, so I mean, to always give back and give back to the community. And I will do something I love, just music. I would love to do that,” said Terrance Harris, an attendee.
Back in 2023, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a landmark bill known as the Teacher Paycheck Protection Act, a bill giving teachers the largest pay raise in state history, raising the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 by 2026.
“This year, we passed a bill to provide $5,000 grant to those teachers who want to go back and get their licensure while they’re teaching on that three-year permit,” said Representative Mark White, District 83, TN General Assembly.
MSCS is hosting another hiring event next Thursday in the auditorium of Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Be sure to dress your best and have a resume handy because you can expect on-the-spot interviews.