While California’s teacher shortage is now described as “alarming”, that’s not the case, currently, in Nevada County, according to the Superintendent for the Office of Education, Holly Hermanson…

click to listen to Holly Hermanson

The Learning Policy Institute says 75% of surveyed districts indicate there are too few qualified teachers to fill their vacancies, and most say the shortage is getting worse. Districts say it’s driven, in part, by an accelerated number of retirements and an increased turnover rate. To address it, the Institute says many schools are hiring teachers with substandard credentials, or leaving positions vacant. Hermanson says they’re trying to hire people who want to be helped in filling all qualifications…

click to listen to Holly Hermanson

Hermanson says most shortages continue to be in special education, along with science and math. And more than one-third of surveyed districts are now also having more difficulties finding elementary school teachers, usually an area of surpluses. Shortages are reported more frequently in urban areas, compared to rural areas, like Nevada County.