Some public teachers in Kentucky say they feel like they are doing one and a half to two jobs because of the teacher shortage. That issue got the attention of the House Education Committee Tuesday. Amanda Sewell is a consumer science teacher at Lexington’s Tates Creek High School. Lawmakers spoke of discipline issues and disrespect by students. Sewell said lowering class sizes would help in managing students and telling when one has an off day.
“So, discipline is a hundred percent issue, but I think that along with the other stresses that are piling up, is what is a big thing that is causing teachers to leave this profession,” said Sewell
State Education Commissioner Jason Glass told legislators candidates for teaching positions are steady, but job openings and teacher turnovers are increasing.
There was discussion about teacher vacancy numbers. While a figure of 11,000 has been cited recently, Commissioner Glass said that number pertains to teacher openings for an entire year and not at one particular time.
Education Committee Chair James Tipton said many of the recommendations on policy and studies could get a positive reception. He says salary issues are not as clear-cut.
“Now when you talk about the student-teacher stipend, that’s a big number. I know that that number is cause I’ve already looked at it. So, you’ve got a lot of dollars there and increasing the scholarship amount. So, there are some things that would require some funding,” said Tipton.
The House Education Committee took no action. Tipton said a bill related to the teacher shortage could be filed within the next week or so.
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