Retirees could help solve South Carolina’s teacher shortage
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Could retirees play a role in turning around South Carolina’s worsening teacher shortage?
More and more schools believe the answer is “yes” – and they’re trying to bring the most experienced educators back to the classroom.
Cynthia Montgomery-Smith – who’s taught decades in South Carolina schools – says the state’s growing teacher shortage makes her want to get back in the classroom even more.
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“I feel a need to go help them a few more years, because it’s definitely needed,” she said.
More and more school districts are looking to retirees to help fill vacancies.
“I think there is a significant potential here for districts to get really exceptional teachers in front of our students,” said Patrick Kelly of the Palmetto State Teachers Association.
But retired teachers can face barriers to returning to the classroom.
A big one is that state policy prohibits retirees who draw their monthly pension from earning more than $10,000 a year – which one educator advocacy group says can be a deterrent.
The cap is waived if a school district can’t find another qualified applicant for jobs in areas of critical need – both geographically and by subject matter.
And, given where the teacher shortage stands right now, that’s just about every subject area and school district in South Carolina.
So more districts are actively recruiting retired teachers – and in this case offering more flexibility for teachers to come back on a full-time, part-time, substitute or hourly basis.
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“The status quo is unacceptable, and this bill does change a few things, but I view it only as the first few steps,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. He says lawmakers have more work ahead on the issue.
“That’s the kind of innovative approach that districts need to take,” Kelly said.
And schools say there’s untold value in welcoming the most experienced educators – back into the classroom.
“Not only would it be a help as filling the positions but also serving as mentors and ing those new teachers in the field of education. So the help that retirees can give, it goes beyond just filling those classroom positions,” said Felicia Richardson, coordinator of recruitment and retention with Richland One School District.
The Palmetto State Teachers Association also said it s a bill to create a permanent educator certificate – so teachers don’t have to recertify every five years as they do now.
That legislation died this year, but ers hope for more success next year.
This year, state lawmakers also approved the addition of more steps on the teacher pay schedule -- which is based on education level and years of experience.
So veteran teachers are now guaranteed additional raises later in their careers – which could keep some of them in the classroom for longer.
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