Science Teachers

[Ed Fersch]

Hi all,

Like many districts across the state, we are in need of qualified science teachers. As a small school, we generally have three. For a variety of reasons, all of them left at the end of last year. We have been able to replace one. This leaves us with gapping holes in our program. We have gone down many paths to hire another, talking with other districts about sharing a teacher, looking into DL (which is not ideal for science classes). All for naught.

I am wondeering what experiences others have had and how you are managing to offer your science classes. Thanks

[Christy Crandall-Bean]

The district I work for had this same issue. Luckily at last minute one of our math teachers offered to teach Physics and we used the other science certified teachers to teach one class outside of their cert area and pulled it off. Also, Erie 1 BOCES offers a fully regents level virtual academy option. It is pricey at 10500.00 per student which covers a full course load but it is aidaboeso if you have a high aid rate, it is not bad. I tried to see if they would reduce the cost for just one class per student but they would not. But it is an option.

[Andrea Randle]

I don't have any suggestions, but I am truly sorry your district is in this predicament. We are a small district also, and are still missing a science teacher. One of our Board members is a retired science teacher and graciously agreed to volunteer to teach the chemistry class. I am worried that many of our districts are going to be without qualified teachers, especially in the high school areas, in the near future.