By Lucas De Paula & Ethan Lee,
Staff Writers
Employment shortages arising from COVID-19 resulted in a lack of teachers and other staff at TCHS. Upon returning to in-person learning, many departments lacked staff in critical positions, forcing many classes to start the year off with substitutes and temporary staff.
An essential factor in the staff shortages was the opening of the Temple City Virtual Academy.
Psychology teacher Mrs. Hjertstedt, math teachers Mr. Ledger and Mrs. Zurla and English teacher Mrs. (Wong/huang?) left to teach at the Virtual Academy, leaving openings in their respective classes. The departure of numerous instructional aides in the special education department also created staff shortages
“I was surprised when Ms. Hjerstedt made the announcement that she was leaving,” senior Joshua Park said. “The transitional period was a bit of learning for both the students and the new teacher but in the end, it worked out. Within a few weeks, having the new classroom felt normal and the learning was smooth.”
A national labor shortage following the pandemic negatively affected businesses and schools. With concerns about COVID-19 and their jobs, returning employees worried for their stability. This resulted in competitive wages for teachers and staff, especially substitutes. As a result, administration struggled to find substitute teachers to cover for classes.
“The district tries really hard–they put offers out there, but they have to wait for people to apply,” Assistant Principal Elena Li said. “I think in years past, people would have jumped on it, but now everyone’s hesitant. After we extend the offer, they then have paperwork they have to fill out and that all takes time.”
TCHS brought in temporary staff to cover unoccupied positions and retired teachers to assist with substituting. As of now, the district has covered essentially every class and the need for substitutes has dropped.