Teacher Numbers ‘Quite Strong’ For NYC Schools Reopening: Mayor

NEW YORK CITY — A feared staffing shortage for New York City schools’ ambitious reopening appears less likely — at least according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“The numbers are coming in quite strong now,” he said Tuesday.

De Blasio’s confident forecast came on the second day the city’s schools reopened for in-person classes. They’ve been closed since March to stop the new coronavirus’ spread.

Staffing proved a sticky issue in the twice-delayed reopening. Educator unions expressed concerns they wouldn’t have enough staff to teach the students under fully remote learning plans or a new hybrid, “blended learning” option.

Even when de Blasio and union officials announced plans for a phased reopening, they appeared to disagree on how many teachers would be needed for when students return. The agreement between the city and unions called for 4,500 more instructors, but Council of School Supervisors and Administrators President Mark Cannizzaro said more staff could be needed on top of that as middle and high school students return.

De Blasio said school officials have found additional instructors among existing staff with certifications who weren’t in classrooms, the city’s 5,000 substitutes, people who used to teach, student teachers and adjunct professors.

“I think what we’re seeing more and more is fundamental confidence that the numbers are coming in like we need them to,” he said.

K-5 and K-8 school students are slated to return to classrooms on Sept. 29, followed by all other students Oct. 1.