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Report finds it remains hard to recruit and retain teachers

LA Johnson
/
NPR
Many school districts are struggling to fill the more than 1,200 teacher vacancies in grades K-5.

A recent report released by Public Schools of North Carolina shows a continued large number of teachers leaving the profession even though the rate is less than during the pandemic. Still, many school districts are struggling to fill these positions.

Currently, there are more than 1,200 teacher vacancies in North Carolina public schools for grades K-5 in various subject areas.

According to the annual report of the State of Teaching Profession for 2021-2022, approximately 7,300 teachers left NC public schools, that's a slightly lower rate than the year before.

Teachers who are in their first and second years make up the most of departures, and universities and school districts across the state are focusing on recruitment and financial incentives to recruit and retain employees. Pitt County public schools are offering sign-on bonuses of up to $4,000 depending on the courses taught.

Ryan is an Arkansas native and podcast junkie. He was first introduced to public radio during an internship with his hometown NPR station, KUAF. Ryan is a graduate of Tufts University in Somerville, Mass., where he studied political science and led the Tufts Daily, the nation’s smallest independent daily college newspaper. In his spare time, Ryan likes to embroider, attend musicals, and spend time with his fiancée.