Newark Schools Short 120 Staff Positions To Start Year: Report

NEWARK, NJ — When the new school year kicked off last week, the Newark Public School District was flush with hundreds of new teachers. But it apparently wasn’t enough; 120 instructional positions in the state’s largest district were still unfilled when classes started Sept. 7, a report says.

The shortages are widespread, Chalkbeat reported. About 60 percent of the district’s 65 schools were down at least one teacher or instructional staffer, such as a counselor or social worker. When they returned last week, some students found substitute teachers or crowded classrooms – an issue also seen in other New Jersey districts, which are still coping with staffing shortages from the coronavirus pandemic.

“The district is working tirelessly, aggressively and strategically in recruiting and hiring the best qualified teaching staff,” a spokesperson said.

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In late August, the district welcomed more than 350 new teachers during an orientation session.

The new teachers were expected to familiarize themselves with the district’s Safe Return Plan and established protocols, which include submitting negative COVID-19 test results, wearing masks, knowing ingress/egress procedures and practicing social distancing.

• See related article: Newark Public Schools Start Year With 350 New Teachers

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