Trending
As the school year has gained momentum in West Virginia, it has become obvious the labor shortages affecting many industries in the state are affecting our schools, too. It is not just that we do not have enough teachers. We do not have enough support staff, nurses, counselors, maintenance employees, cafeteria workers, bus drivers … you name it.
In examining the shortage of school bus drivers, Mountain State Spotlight found that, as they usually do, school districts are making it work -- but just barely. Despite lawmakers having lifted a 140-day cap for retired bus drivers to work without affecting their pensions, there are still not enough substitutes to cover routes if one or more of the stretched-thin drivers needs to take a day off.
State Sen. Amy Grady, who is a fourth grade teacher in Mason County, said she has had students miss up to 19 days of school due to canceled bus runs. Transportation directors and mechanics are sometimes filling in on routes -- though of course that means work is piling up somewhere else.
And again, bus driving positions are just the start of what needs to be filled in all 55 counties. For those seeking employment, or even a career change, now is a good time to consider whether such a move would be good for you, your family -- and our schools. Any job that supports educating our young people is a high calling.
But such a change does not occur overnight. Once a person decides where he or she could best serve, there are certifications and training to acquire. There is experience to be gained. Where on earth does one start?
Apply to be a substitute. It's the best way to get a foot in the door, learn the ropes and become a trusted (and experienced) member of the school districts' teams.
Look for job postings, but should you choose to apply, be patient. The process for sifting through applicants is not a short or simple one. Districts must ensure only the highest quality candidates are working with our kids.
This is not a new problem, but it is one that has expanded from affecting one or two kinds of jobs to affecting positions district-wide. Consider whether you (or someone you know who hasn't gotten the word) are ready to help solve it.