VIDOR, Texas — Southeast Texas region five school districts are facing a serious teacher shortage.
School districts in Southeast Texas are urgently hiring for new teachers with over 300 vacant positions.
Region 5 school districts are in need of math, science and English teachers, plus more.
"But we need somebody who has a heart for our students," said Superintendent of Vidor Independent School District Jay Killgo.
Killgo is responsible for making sure each classroom has certified teachers.
"Math and science are always tough to find especially at the secondary level," he said. "Foreign language is something we're always on the hunt for. Special education is a challenging spot."
In the previous years, over 20 teachers applied for each elementary teaching position in VISD. That number has been cut in half, resulting in vacant positions.
"The university prep system has changed. It used to be that young people went through college, they student taught," he said. "But now there's alternative certifications."
Some universities offer alternative teaching certifications and along with school districts, it's easier to become a school teacher. Those with a bachelor's degree will have the chance to become certified.
"If we don't have a fully certified teacher in there, there is automatically a gap of one day," he said. "And then if that grows to more than a day, a week you know there's stairs we got to make that up."
There will be bonuses that range between $4,500 to $17,000 for math and science teachers if their students perform well.
"They receive that stipend for five years," said Killgo. "So it's a great method to attract high, performing teachers to our district."
New teachers are always welcome and supported.
"We try to build a solid network around new teachers and give them every opportunity to be successful."
If you are considering a career switch, districts are interested in hiring experts in many fields.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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