A school district program I worked with in California had an effective solution. When there were staff shortages and a classroom would be out-of-ratio for the day (e.g., one teacher and no aid for 18 children, only the first 8 children to arrive were accepted so as to maintain a 1:8 adult-child ratio. The remaining 10 children were turned away for the day. Needless to say, the parents complained loudly and the staffing shortage problem was immediately elevated to the highest level in the District.
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John Gunnarson
Woodacre CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-11-2023 06:35 PM
From: Sarah Birch
Subject: Staff Shortage
Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I'm hoping my School District can see that we're all drowning without adequate support and make positive changes to entice people to stay with us or even apply. --
Original Message:
Sent: 1/11/2023 2:40:00 PM
From: Elisa Renee Schleig
Subject: RE: Staff Shortage
Sarah-
You are not alone! There are numerous shortages all over. This year we are starting to rebuild by offering incentives and bonuses and trying to keep staff with extra incentives. Its been rough. Most of us have been filling in and doing double duty but are just now starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully you will too!
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Elisa Schleig
Education Manager
SCCAA Head Start
Massillon OH
Original Message:
Sent: 01-09-2023 11:29 PM
From: Sarah Birch
Subject: Staff Shortage
Hello! I'm wondering what other educators are doing when faced with a shortage of staff/paraprofessionals to work in your classroom? I teach preschool- special education for my district and have been short 1 paraprofessional this entire school year and just found out that the 1 I've had is putting in her 2 weeks! 🫣 How is everyone else handling these situations out there? Is it happening to you too?
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Sarah Birch
Preschool Teacher
Ogden City School District
North Ogden UT
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