The Northern Lights School Division says it needs to hire 14 teachers for several schools in the north.
Director of Education Jason Young says to start the school year; there are vacancies in La Ronge, Pinehouse Lake, La Loche, Stony Rapids and Sandy Bay.
He says the Division is having a difficult time recruiting teachers, as no new resumes were submitted to the School Division Wednesday.
“My understanding as of today, we didn’t make any offers today. And my understanding is there are no resumes today. That could change on a daily basis,” said Young. “It’s an anomaly I think from my observation. In year’s past we may have one or two or three vacancies to fill as we start the school year, but certainly not this many.”
Young says the Division is trying to recruit nationally, posting jobs to high traffic teaching employment websites. He says teachers have been offered positions in northern Saskatchewan, only to turn it down for other locations.
As to how the shortage is affecting children’s education, for the interim Young says schools are covering off classes. While this plan is not sustainable, Young concedes staff moral may be affected if the situation is prolonged.
The Ministry of Education says it is aware of the staffing challenges facing the School Division and adds it is working with them to help fill the vacancies.
(PHOTO: Students learning. Courtesy of The Northern Lights School Division Facebook)