Calhoun City High School Seeks Math Teacher

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Mississippi is pushing students to take more upper level math and science teachers to be better prepared for college. And it’s changed certification requirements to try to get the best educators in the classrooms. That’s adding up to some real problems for some smaller school districts.

“A lot of schools are still looking for teachers as of today, multiple teachers. We’re just fortunate that we’re looking for only one,” said Calhoun City High School Principal Mike Ray.

Ray spent the summer looking for an upper level math teacher. He couldn’t fill the slot. Now, his students are bused across the county to other schools to take those courses.

“Four out of the six were not ready for teaching yet. They still lacked a few qualifications being ready to get their certification and the other two that I was really impressed with, they both took jobs in their hometown,” said Ray.

And more changes may be coming for the district’s 2,600 students.

The district could have to consolidate other upper level math and science courses at its career center to meet student demands and teacher availability.

“You hate to bus students but we have to do what’s best for everyone cause a lot of these upper level students were needing classes to graduate,” said Ray.

Although there may be a variety of reasons for teacher shortages in the subject area of math, certain requirements such as state tests and a new curriculum, might have an effect on their decision.

“Students (young teachers) coming out do not want to be in the tested areas anymore. I think that’s kind of getting some that’s staying away from it, going to the elementary grades. There’s no shortage of teachers that we’ve found that we’ve talked to at recruiting fairs and things, it’s just shortages in certain subject areas,” said Ray.

Ray hopes to have the position filled by December.

Anyone who would like more information the position requirements or how to apply can call Calhoun City High School at 662-628-5112 or 662-412-3152.

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