Benton Harbor School Facing Teacher Recruitment Problem

bentonharborhighschool-20
bentonharborhighschool-20

One problem facing Benton Harbor Area Schools this year is a large number of teaching positions that are going unfilled. Superintendent Shelly Walker told the board of education this week “a vast number of positions” are currently available. The problem isn’t just money-related. She told WSJM News teachers consider several other factors when deciding where to go. She knows where they’re most attracted.

“Where they grew up, where they have roots, where they feel connected, and most importantly, where they feel cared for and supported.”

Walker says Benton Harbor has made a lot of progress in some of those areas, but still, she ranks the district at the very bottom when it comes to teacher salaries. School Board President Joseph Taylor said this week the board should have a “candid conversation” with the state about its need to offer better pay.