AUSTIN, Texas — The pandemic has increased the need for teachers and staff across all Central Texas school districts this year as all of them report an increase in resignations and retirements.
“Well, it's different this year,” said Eanes ISD Superintendent Dr. Tom Leonard.
Eanes ISD has seen a 15% increase in the number of resignations and retirements this year.
“I think more people are a little more nervous this year than we've seen before. And some people are at that stage in life where they were thinking, 'You know, I may be retiring last year or this year, or maybe in three years,' and COVID-19 has put another spin on that in their lives. And they're making decisions that are personal and family-oriented, and we understand that,” he said.
Area openings
The KVUE Defenders requested a list of openings from area school districts. Here’s how many each report:
- Austin ISD: 85 teaching positions; 309 other jobs like bus drivers, custodians and teacher aides
- Dripping Springs: 2 teaching positions; 11 instructional aides; 36 others
- Eanes ISD: 12 teachers, 10 of those special ed positions
- Hays CISD: 20 teacher openings; 72 others
- Lake Travis ISD: 29 teacher openings; 52 others
- Leander ISD: 26.5 teaching positions; 245 others
- Liberty Hill ISD: six teacher openings; 12 others
- Pflugerville ISD: 33 teacher openings; 75 others
- Round Rock ISD: 24 teacher openings; 61 others
Some of these openings are happening much later than usual.
“We did receive about 10 late resignations since about Aug. 1 of our professional staff, and that too is very uncommon,” said Laurie Lee, chief human resources officer.
These are challenging times. Most school districts are not just juggling safety concerns but increased staffing needs.
“We're beginning to navigate a whole lot of things we never navigated before, so a little understanding, a little grace,” said Dr. Leonard.
Substitute teachers needed
School districts across Central Texas also report a much greater need for substitute teachers.
Eanes ISD typically has 250 to 300 substitutes to start the year. It has only been able to secure 225 of those positions. So if you are interested in finding ways you can help, check out the following links:
- Austin ISD openings
- Dripping Springs ISD openings
- Eanes ISD openings
- Hays CISD openings
- Lake Travis ISD openings
- Leander ISD openings
- Liberty Hill ISD openings
- Pflugerville ISD openings
- Round Rock ISD openings
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