More Teachers Not Certified In Subjects They Teach

This year, more Highlands County public school teachers lack state qualifications in the subjects they are currently teaching compared to last year.

Last school year, 7.4 percent (68) teachers taught in an area out of their field of expertise.
This school year, 9 percent (87) teachers are considered out of field.

About 75 percent of these out-of-field teachers are teaching classes for learners of the English language.

There has been a significant increase in Hispanic enrollment in recent years, and it is getting challenging to find enough teachers for students struggling with the English language, said human resources/staff development director Vivian Waldron.

Two years ago the district started requiring new elementary, language/arts and reading teachers to immediately begin ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Language) training. The ESOL training involves five courses, which can be taken at a college, university or at the school district during workshops and on the Web.

Exceptional Student Education, also known or special education, is another area lacking in specially trained teachers, Waldron said.

Most teachers don't take a number of courses to be able to be considered "in field," Waldron explained.

If they show expertise in an area by passing an exam on the subject, then it is added to their teaching certificate, she said.

The federal No Child Left Behind Act grades school district teachers based on how "highly qualified" they are. To be deemed highly qualified, teachers must have: a bachelor's degree, a full state certification or licensure and prove that they know each subject they teach.

The Highlands School District tries to meet its No Child Left Behind obligations by trying to get the right teachers, especially for elementary schools, during the hiring season, Waldron said.

Secondary schools continue to be a challenge because there is a shortage of teachers who are certified to teach ESE, math and science.

The percentage of teachers who are not "highly qualified," according to No Child Left Behind, decreased from 12 percent last year to 11 percent this year in the district.

"We are definitely making progress in meeting our goals there," Waldron said.