Rural school districts across the United States are grappling with the growing teacher shortage, leaving many educators and students feeling the strain. This is particularly pronounced in areas like Refugio County, Texas, where schools are implementing creative strategies to cope with the crisis.
According to recent data, nearly 40% of educators across the state of Texas are uncertified. This alarming statistic truly lays bare the challenge faced by small, rural districts. Among them, two districts, Woodsboro Independent School District (ISD) and Austwell-Tivoli ISD, are reported to be faring relatively well, managing to keep their certified teacher percentage significantly higher than the state average.
Both districts have struck a balance, with Woodsboro ISD boasting 30 out of 34 teachers certified, which amounts to approximately 88.2%. Austwell-Tivoli ISD has one uncertified teacher out of its 20-strong faculty. That teacher is undertaking their education through alternative programs and aims to complete their educational hours soon. "The teacher is enrolled in an alternative education program," stated Dolores Vela, the Superintendent of Austwell ISD. "The completed degree is in the needed content area, and our teacher is working on fulfilling her educational program hours." This hands-on support strategy is mirrored at Woodsboro ISD, where they bolster their staff with necessary mentorship to help uncertified teachers on their pathway to certification.
Superintendent Leslie Garza of Woodsboro ISD highlighted the importance of supporting non-certified teachers, saying, "We support our non-certified teachers with mentor support to help them complete their pathway to certification." She elaborated on how the district has opened up the Hartwell program, allowing paraprofessionals and substitutes access to resources for earning degrees within education.
Both districts realize the urgency of developing new teachers from within their ranks. Austwell ISD has promising prospects; Vela mentioned, "We currently have one individual on campus who is completing her student teaching and will graduate in December. Another employee will begin her student teaching this spring. Hopefully, these two individuals will join our staff should the need arise." This forward-thinking approach appears to be necessary as Texas ranks 30th nationally for teacher average pay, being $8,828 less than the national average, according to data from the National Education Association.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also significantly impacted teacher retention, with reports indicating roughly 13.4% of teachers across Texas exited the profession during this tumultuous period. This has prompted both Woodsboro ISD and Austwell-Tivoli ISD to proactively facilitate career paths within education for their high school students. "Our high school currently has a CTE program for educator preparation with the capability of earning an industry-based certification Educational Aide 1," Garza stated. This not only equips students with future career skills but opens the door for them to work as paraprofessionals within their own districts.
Austwell-Tivoli ISD and Woodsboro ISD are also embracing innovative initiatives to combat this teacher shortage. Vela proudly shared, "We did participate in a ‘Grow Your Own’ program with our students initiating an education pathway. When we began having difficulty hiring teachers, we became involved with the International Foreign Exchange Teacher Program, and it has been successful for us. We are fortunate to have all teachers currently stationed and to operate as efficiently as possible." This blend of utilizing existing community resources and international educators forms part of the lifeline to sustain these rural schools.
The commitment from these districts is indicative of how localized strategies are being employed effectively to meet education challenges head-on. The focus remains not just on drawing certified teachers from outside but also nurturing local talent to fill the gaps. By encouraging students interested in becoming educators, these districts are creating pathways for future generations.
While the larger state and national issues of teacher shortages may still loom large, Woodsboro and Austwell-Tivoli ISD have found ways to address immediate needs within their communities. Their path forward highlights the resilience and inventive spirit, showcasing how rural districts can navigate through challenging times.
