Matthey above the national teacher shortage
The 2022-2023 Matthey school year is in full swing. Teachers are teaching, sports are in session and students are excited to be back in class with their friends again. The hallways are filled with laughter and smiling faces, but most students have no idea the school is dealing with a teacher shortage.
Justin Buckner, an 8th grade ELAR teacher, said,”I’m confident that we as educators will be successful in getting our students to a high academic level even with a teacher shortage. Parents can definitely help by having their children read at home”.
According to Brian Lopez from the Texas Tribune, there has been a national teacher shortage for quite some time, but the pandemic made the situation worse. Even though things seem to be getting back to normal, many educators are simply fearful of the virus, but this is not the case for everyone.
April Matelski, a four-year substitute teacher for Matthey, said,”I didn’t realize there was a teacher shortage. Everything seems normal to me, business as usual”.
When the pandemic started, Matthey teachers had to teach their students online and learn the world of Zoom and Google classroom. Although this was unfamiliar territory, teachers found fun and creative ways to engage their students.
Jaylynn Valdez, Matthey’s 8th grade VIP student, said, “I’ve been enjoying my classes and having fun being on campus. I’ve just been doing my work and had no idea we’re short on teachers. Matthey is doing a good job and must have everything under control”.
Miguel Martell, principal of Matthey Middle School, explained that his plan to overcome teacher shortage has been about proper student scheduling and teachers filling in on subjects when needed.
