Idaho school districts continue to face teacher shortage

The Idaho State Board of Education reported that while the number of teacher vacancies have dropped since this spring, many hard-to-fill positions remain empty.

According to a news release from the Idaho State Board of Education, last May an informal survey of school districts in the state showed there were as many as 900 vacancies statewide. A follow-up survey showed the vacancies have dropped to 134 since the start of the 2022-23 school year. Of those vacant positions, 68% are in special education, 52% are in math and 35% are in science, which are typically harder to fill, according to the release.

A total of 87 of Idaho’s 115 school districts responded to this year’s survey, which was conducted by the Idaho Association of School Administrators, according to the release.

School districts have filled positions by using emergency certifications, paraprofessionals, and candidates with little or no education experience or training, according to the news release.

“This is not just an Idaho problem, it is a nationwide problem and it is incumbent on education leaders to find ways to mentor the people who are filling these positions to ensure that quality education continues in our classrooms,” Board Vice President Linda Clark said in the news release.

Lewis-Clark State College and College of Southern Idaho have started programs to provide pathways for certified staff, like teacher’s aides, to earn teaching credentials without relocating. The State Board of Education also plans to introduce a proposal during the 2023 legislative session to create a teacher apprenticeship program to help districts fill positions.