Chef Dave
12-15-2007, 11:35 PM
The State Board of Education for West Virginia is projecting massive vacancies for the coming school year. 5,500 teachers will be eligible for retirement come spring and there aren't enough applicants to replace retiring teachers let alone all of the other vacancies that will occur as a part of normal turnover.
Low salaries appear to be a major part of the problem. Some teachers living in West Virginia have taken jobs across the state line in Pennsylvania or Maryland where they can make more money.
Average salaries in these neighboring states are $54,000 compared to just $29,114 in West Virginia
State Superintendent Steve Paine has suggested raising the teacher salary to $35,000. He has also suggested easing certification requirements.
Teachers looking for additional endorsements must currently complete college coursework in addition to taking the Praxis II. If the state education reforms take place, teachers who are able to pass a Praxis II exam can bypass the course requirements.
http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/News/2007121318
http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_312222643.html
Low salaries appear to be a major part of the problem. Some teachers living in West Virginia have taken jobs across the state line in Pennsylvania or Maryland where they can make more money.
Average salaries in these neighboring states are $54,000 compared to just $29,114 in West Virginia
State Superintendent Steve Paine has suggested raising the teacher salary to $35,000. He has also suggested easing certification requirements.
Teachers looking for additional endorsements must currently complete college coursework in addition to taking the Praxis II. If the state education reforms take place, teachers who are able to pass a Praxis II exam can bypass the course requirements.
http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/News/2007121318
http://www.register-herald.com/local/local_story_312222643.html