The problem may be hardest to fix where it is most prevalent, in high-poverty and small rural districts. Larry Massie, school superintendent in Russell County in far southwestern Virginia, said his district tries to hire teachers certified in more than one area. Only five of the school system's 500 teachers are instructing outside their area of expertise, but he says he'd be hard pressed to replace even them. But educators say the chances of getting part-timers to teach the odd class or two are practically nil. And, they say, there is no substitute for having a teacher in the school all day, being available to meet with students, parents and staff members.
Teachers say they'd rather work toward a master's degree, which brings a higher paycheck.
I can get them better. I can't change that other one. I think personally I'm doing a great job teaching these kids math. Maerten is not always so confident. He knows he relates well to the students.