Door County school districts, like others nationwide, find themselves working to keep as well as attract teachers. A recent IPSOS survey shows most educators would go into teaching again. Many of them, however, admit they have also considered leaving the classrooms. They cite frustration with salaries and district support. That comes as no surprise to Washington Island School Principal Michelle Kanipes. She says students require more from their teachers than in years past and that can be intimidating to newly graduated teachers.
Southern Door School District Superintendent Patricia Vickman says her district understands the importance of support for all teachers. She says her district uses all available resources to help, including input from their colleagues.
Districts also face a shortage of teaching candidates and have to be creative to attract them. A look at how Southern Door and Washington Island use their non-financial assets for recruiting in Part two.
