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Math teacher shortage

To Dr. Damelio,

I am deeply concerned that in just eight weeks you will need to hire an unprecedented number of mathematics teachers. The reasons are:

- Many mathematics teacher vacancies were not filled last year. These classes were taught by substitutes without mathematics teaching skills.

- Ninth grade "Algebra 1 Block" scheduling and class size limits of 20 students mean more mathematics teachers are needed by the District than in previous year. In a recent open letter to you I urged that "Algebra 1 Block" scheduling be postponed.

- Additional "High School Exit Exam" remedial courses are being scheduled next year. These are crucial courses for the many District high school seniors who must pass this "California High School Exam" in order to graduate.

Even under conditions that prevailed in past years, hiring mathematics teachers has been challenging. There are two reasons this is more difficult now:

- There is a shortage of mathematics teachers in California. According to the University of California, "nearly 1,500 mathematics classes were taught by teachers with no teaching credentials." The University has obtained state funding for a "California Teach Program" to help meet this need in the future.

- Better funded districts have an advantage in hiring mathematics teachers. You are competing with these better funded districts for scarce mathematics teachers.

The Vallejo Education Association is ready to help recruit and hire mathematics teachers. I suggest the following:

- Establish a "hot line" number direct to your office so that hiring mathematics teachers receives your personal attention. Your "hot line" should be announced to the general community so anyone can help with referrals or suggestions.

- Contact the "California Teach Program" at the University of California to coordinate future mathematics teacher recruiting plans. Since your new "a-g" requirement for graduation requires all ninth grade students to pass Geometry and Algebra 2 there will be a long term need to increase the number of District mathematics teachers.

- Explore a waiver to hire "interns" who are in the final stages of obtaining a credential to teach mathematics. Present District mathematics teachers are experienced in mentoring new teachers.

Parents or others who want more information about this issue are invited to contact me at the Vallejo Education Association: (707) 864-6193 or to e-mail me at vjoedassn@aol.com .

Janice Sullivan, President, Vallejo Education Association