DOVER — There are approximately 265 job openings for teachers in elementary, middle and high schools in the First State, as of Friday, according to Delaware Schools Consortium data.
This number is coupled with more than 70 positions available for paraprofessionals, underscoring the need for enhanced support, as well.
And another factor for educators is reportedly low job satisfaction, which is being negatively impacted by their students’ behavior.
Some in the field are thinking positively, though.
For one, Stephanie Ingram, Delaware State Education Association president and fourth grade teacher at New Castle Elementary School, said she feels the work of the Student Behavior and School Climate Task Force will lead to beneficial change, especially because there are educators at the table in its discussions.
On Sept. 16, the group was presented with and discussed a July State Education Association survey of over 1,000 teachers, specialists and support staff, which reveals that 72% of them are either very or somewhat dissatisfied with their working conditions.