CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The Clay County School Board held a recruitment fair at Fleming Island High School to hire staff to battle the teacher shortage.
The job fair that drew hundreds of applicants offered positions from the lower elementary level to the exceptional student education level.
The school district’s goal was to fill over 200 vacancies across 43 schools by the next school year.
Miranda Rodriguez and Jodi Clemons are two people who were offered jobs.
“I always had a passion to want to be a teacher. I remember my kindergarten and all the good teachers that left that positive influence, and I want to be that good step for a kid. I want to be the good teacher,” Rodriguez said.
Clay County Superintendent David Broskie said the county is always looking for more teachers.
“Clay County is blessed to have a bunch of great teachers here in Clay County. We’re always interested in attracting more,” Broskie said. “We have a pretty good retention rate our retention rate in Clay County, 5% above the state average,” Broskie said.
Miranda said she doesn’t mind working during a teacher shortage because it serves a greater purpose.
“I actually find it exciting to be a teacher during a teacher shortage because I know I’m doing my job because I want to do my job. I’m super passionate about it. I want to show the kids that I’m here for them and their academics,” Clemons said.