America’s Students Need You–More Than Ever

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Across the country, workers are quitting their jobs in record numbers. Some economists call it The Great Resignation, others the Big Quit. No matter what you call it, there’s a ripple effect that’s impacting America as restaurants, hospitals, and our schools are all struggling to find workers.

Our nation’s education sector has been hard hit by this labor shortage. It’s not just full-time teachers, but also essential preschool through high school staff – principals, substitutes, counselors, paraprofessionals, nurses and more. If education is the bedrock of a thriving society––but our schools don’t have enough workers––we’re in trouble. We need to re-value education in America now or else we can expect a future where no one is left to teach our kids. In the long run, that translates to a decline in our ability to innovate and compete in the global economy.

Much of the talent shortage has to do with the pandemic and historically low pay for educators. Fortunately, education and policy leaders are stepping up to help turn the tide. Our team at Kelly Education partners with more than 7,000 schools nationally and we’re encouraged by the actions we see districts taking to value education talent by increasing pay and knocking down barriers for education-sector workers. Much more needs to be done, but we can see the pay-to-value ratio of the profession finally starting to move.

In addition, Congress seems poised to act on President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda by approving investments needed to help address labor shortages in our education system. One area of great promise is the potential expansion of Grown Your Own (GYO) programs focused on developing and retaining educators in local communities. GYO programs have proven successful in recruiting overall and they can also increase diversity at a time when we desperately need more Black men entering the profession.

The truth is that in Tampa we need more people in general to enter the education field. Pause for just one moment to think of a teacher, principal, counselor, or childcare provider who touched your life in a positive way growing up. Think of that special someone who believed in you, helped you learn and inspired you to pursue your dreams. Now, imagine that person never existed. That’s the trajectory we’re on as fewer people sign-up to work in our schools.

Now, think about someone else you know who might love to work with children. Someone who cares about inspiring our future generation. Would they step up to become a substitute teacher? Could that person, be you? If so, act now so we can avoid a future where no one is left to teach our kids.

Click here to apply to be a substitute teacher with Kelly Education in the Tampa area.

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