As thousands of kids headed back to school over the last few days, many of those districts would appreciate you coming back yourself.

According to a study by the Wisconsin Policy Forum, the 16 percent teacher turnover rate from last year to this year was the highest the state has seen since 2012 when Act 10 tightened its grip on many districts. Last month, Green Bay area media outlets reported that Green Bay Area Schools needed to fill about 30 classroom positions with districts in Appleton, Oshkosh, and Manitowoc counties also needing to fill dozens of positions. 

Schools in Door and Kewaunee counties are in a better position, with many of them recruiting bus drivers and substitute teachers just to have their bases covered.  Kewaunee Superintendent Scott Fritz admits they are getting creative when it comes to filling open positions. The district is helping staff members get the necessary certifications needed to move into a full-time classroom role to have used its ESSER funding to hire “super substitutes” that can be deployed throughout the district.

Gibraltar Superintendent Brett Strousland is thankful for the “magic” that has helped them fill in open positions, including a late retirement that allowed another teacher to walk in from his long teaching career outside of the area into a role at the district. He says the community really helps them address their needs as they come up.

Interested candidates for potential open positions can contact their respective schools individually or visit the Wisconsin Education Career Access Network website.