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Jed Boal ReportingHundreds of teachers in Utah's Jordan School District attended a seminar tonight, searching for answers about their future. State numbers project a teacher shortage in less than a decade. One district could run into trouble sooner than that.
It's an issue many districts may face soon. A large number of teachers in the Jordan School District plan to retire this year; the teachers fear that will have dire consequences in the classroom.
The packed retirement seminar is a sign of concern among teachers in the Jordan School District.
Scott Berryessa, Jordan Education Association: "We could have 743 teachers retire this year. There is no way we can replace that kind of expertise."
They usually come to this session to get details about their benefits. This time these teachers fear declining benefits and increased demands may force them to retire. Judy Jackman is a 23-year veteran in the classroom and doesn't want to feel compelled to retire early.
Judy Jackman, Copper Hills High School Teacher: "I really want to stay with the kids, and stay with the students. I just don't want to retire. I'm here to see if I can piece together enough information that staying might be O.K."
Others aren't sure they'll continue careers in Utah classrooms. Mike Kelly is a first-year special education teacher at Riverton High School. e's concerned about his district's commitment.
Mike Kelly, Riverton High School Teacher: "If I'm going to make all these commitments financially, I need to know they're going to be there to support me as well."
Last night the school board voted to severely cut teachers' retirement health insurance benefit.
Mike Kelly: "I'm discouraged about the trends in the districts. I understand this isn't an isolated incident. Where to go from here, I don't know."
Numbers from a recent study show more teachers are headed for retirement. Plus, fewer potential teachers take jobs in the classroom. Add to that a surge in school-age population, it totals a teacher shortage of more than 40-thousand by 2014.
"This issue of retirement benefits is the nail in the coffin. If they wanted to perceive they were valued, this will convince them they are not valued."
A number of bills this session target these issues. The JEA says the legislature has come up with nothing to attract new teachers and retain veterans.
