New York state facing teacher shortage

As millions of students prepare to get back in the classroom, schools across the country are facing a teacher shortage.

It’s causing school districts and law makers to find ways to combat the problem that’s been a growing problem for years now.

New York State is not immune to the problem.

NewsChannel 13 looked at an online application system for educators and right now schools in the Capital Region are now looking to fill nearly 400 teaching jobs.

New York is expected to need 180,000 new teachers in the next decade. However, there may not be enough educators to fill those roles.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, enrollment in the state’s teacher’s union declined by 53% since 2009.

The state teacher retirement system projects that one-third of teachers could retire in the next five years.

The Board of Regents made it a little easier to become a teacher. In April, the board voted to remove a national assessment exam as a requirement for certification. The board is also loosening teaching certificate restrictions.

The proposed new literacy certificate would allow teachers to do 50 hours of in-class teaching, instead of 100, to get certified for teaching all grade levels.

If adopted, it would be implemented beginning September 28.