School is back in session for the year, but as kids are eager to learn, teachers are getting more put on their plate in the Green Bay Area Public School District.
"In some cases we have had to have teachers take an additional class to make sure we have all the classes that we want to offer," explained Green Bay Area Public School District chief human resources officer, Jean Marsch.
There is a nationwide teacher shortage and because of that district leaders are getting creative. Besides keeping pay and benefits competitive, they're making the workplace more attractive to a younger crowd.
"We're working very hard to make sure that the teachers practice environment is one that's supportive of them. We do a great deal of collaboration among teachers and their leaders in the schools," said Marsch.
Some of the areas where those shortages exist are technology education, family and consumer sciences, special education, math and Spanish or bilingual classes.
School leaders say these areas require the same skills as some private sector jobs that typically pay more than the public school teaching positions can.
"There's a great deal of private sector job opportunities and teachers are and attractive pool of candidates for those jobs," said Marsch.
The Green Bay Area Public School District says they're not cutting classes due to the shortage this year and they're hopeful to fill those roles as the year goes forward.
