CHESTER, S.C. — Efforts to recruit and retain teachers continue in South Carolina with a new report showing vacancies increased 9% over the past year.
The report, put together by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA), shows there were over 1,600 vacancies at South Carolina schools at the start of the fall semester.
Vacancies were up by 14% in science, 38% in special education, and 77% for school librarians, according to the Palmetto State Teachers Association (PSTA).
WCNC Charlotte spoke to Chester County School District leaders as they began the year looking to fill positions, including art and chorus.
"They would find a sub that's able to teach that course or that course is just not offered," Chester County School District Spokesman Chris Christoff said. "Not everybody's an athlete, not everybody's an engineer. So, those kids that really have a passion for singing, won't have that outlet."
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While some positions have since been filled in Chester and elsewhere in the state, the PSTA is sounding the alarm, calling the vacancy issue a "crisis."
"While pay isn't the only factor that contributes to teacher shortages, you're foolish to not acknowledge that pay is a significant way to recruit and retain talent in any sector," Patrick Kelly with the PSTA said.
Retirement and otherwise leaving the state, district, or profession altogether are partly to blame for the vacancies, according to the report, with 37% of teachers having five years of experience or less before moving or leaving.
The South Carolina Department of Education is requesting millions in the state budget to increase teacher pay to a minimum of $45,500 a year.
"The work of teachers and educators matters and when students have access to them, our students are capable of achieving a great deal," Kelly said.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.