N.C. Looks Outside State To Recruit Teachers

In just two weeks, Person County teachers will have classrooms filled with students. Many of those teaching in Roxboro have come from across the state.

The shortage of educators has also forced administrators to look for teachers beyond state lines.

"North Carolina is not producing enough teachers through the Teacher's Education Program. We only produce 3,500 teachers a year and we actually need 8,000 to 10,000 each year. So we have to recruit out of state," said Doug Mabe, associate superintendent of Person County Schools.

"Person County recruited me from my school, Bowling Green State University in Ohio, at a job fair in April," teacher Rene Roseum said.

Robert Herman, of New York, found his job with Person County Schools by surfing the Internet.

"Teachers.com. I applied, they were the first to respond, and I came to the interview and here I am," he said.

Mabe said the goal is to have every classroom filled by August 6, just before students return to school.

Person County still needs to hire 13 teachers.If those positions are not filled, students will end up with a substitute teacher.

Wake County

needs 15 teachers,

Chatham County

needs 12, and

Orange County

needs five teachers before the school year starts.

Dr. Raymond Cook, of Orange County Schools, said for the last four years, the county has started the school year with all vacancies filled.

Cook said he thinks that is because the school system starts recruiting early on in the year, and often fills slots before they open up.