Teacher shortage increases slightly

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2005 | 9:47 a.m.

The Clark County School District is short 287 of the 2,250 teachers it needs for the start of the new academic year Monday.

Despite the frantic pace of hiring, the number of vacancies has actually increased by nine since last week. The increase is a result of resignations, retirements and leaves of absence submitted since the last vacancy count was taken, district officials said.

The greatest need remains in special education, with 174 open positions, followed by 35 vacancies for secondary level math teachers. The district's middle and high schools also need 22 English and reading teachers, 14 teachers of English as second language, 12 science teachers and nine Spanish teachers.

The district expects more than 295,000 students to attend classes this year at 312 campuses. Long-term substitutes will fill any remaining vacancies next week as the district continues hiring full-time teachers.

The 2005-06 hiring season officially closes in February, said George Ann Rice, associate superintendent of human resources for the district.