Coronavirus fears could worsen teacher shortage

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the new school year approaches some local school districts in Northeast Florida could end up with a much bigger issue than the year before.

School leaders are now putting pressure on teachers and parents to sign up for virtual learning to keep everyone safe from coronavirus.

The pandemic is pushing teachers to make a difficult decision to either return to the classroom next month for in-person classes or try to get a virtual job.

“It’s baffling to me that our numbers are higher and we’re putting people at risk. I don’t want to complicit in my students dying or my partner dying,” said Raines High School science teacher Savannah Ridgley.

Ridgley believes students and teachers in Duval County are going back to school with minimal protections.

“I’m waiting to hear back about Duval Virtual. I’m fortunate enough in a situation where I can afford to quit,” said Ridgley.

As of Thursday, 16,517 families selected Duval Homeroom as an option.

But Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene believes it’s not enough.

“Based on the numbers we have we still don’t have enough teachers who have applied for Duval homeroom,” Greene explained.

Duval County is looking to hire 71 teachers before the start of the school year.

If that doesn’t happen the district says it has more than 2700 substitute teachers to fill the gap.

“We have to decide are we going to still do our primary job which is teaching and learning,” said Greene.

But Ridgley says health and safety comes first.

“For me that’s also unfortunate because I’m in the DCPS alternative certification program to finish out my credentialing and that means also giving up on all of the progress I have made even the credentials and exams I have taken,” Ridgley said.

Parents and teachers have until July 31, 2020 to apply for virtual learning.

In the reopening plan school is expected to begin August 20, 2020.

This is a developing story. Action News Jax will provide updates if any new information becomes available.

More info at www.duvalschools.org/backtoschool

Cox Media Group