The Del Norte Unified School District (DNUSD) has a major problem: Certificated Special Education Teachers are becoming more difficult to hire in remote Del Norte County.
Superintendent Jeff Harris and the School Board are now reaching out internationally. Six Special Ed Teachers from the Philippines have recently joined the DNUSD staff to fill the void on the District’s frustration in attempting to higher Certificated staff.
School Board Member Michael Greer expressed his thoughts on why the desperate shortage of special education teachers has worsened. “We are suffering because the committee which oversees teacher hiring is completely out of touch. The problem is not among the Special Ed Teachers. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing requires a mound of additional course and paperwork be taken and completed by qualified Teachers from other States. Many of these courses are in the area of ethnic studies.” Board Trustee Greer shared many of our State legislators have no knowledge on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. How it functions and many of its new requirements implemented overseeing how Certificated teachers are hired.
Superintendent Harris shared the recent hiring of Certificated staff from the Philippines who have begun teaching in Special Education in Del Norte County. These Certificated staff have agreed to take the addition course work to achieve Clear Credential which will be paid for by DNUSD. Harris states, “It’s easier to hire Certificated Staff from the Philippines than from Oregon.”
Those applicants for financial assistance may satisfy this obligation over a five year period, forgiving 20 percent of the debt, annually.
Special Education is in a class by itself and very difficult to fill, especially in rural California. If one wishes to teach with Special Education students, the scaffolding of this area is divided into four areas, each one requiring a separate credential: Mild; Moderate; Emotional Disability; Autism. If an applicant intends to climb this ladder, additional course and paperwork are mandated by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Bills are currently being discussed to change some of the existing laws allowing prospective teachers to educate our kids.