Big need in Dallas Other districts haven't been as successful. Dallas, which perennially faces teacher shortages, needed about 165 more teachers as of Friday, said Diane Miles, executive director of human-resources staffing. That number represents a significant improvement over recent years, officials said. Three job fairs in the last three weeks have cut the number of vacancies from about 300, but some classes will start the year Monday with substitute teachers. Although suburban districts have offered more perks designed to make teachers' lives easier, Dallas has offered cash.
Subsequent hires are eligible for other incentives.
The teaching contracts in this area have become more lucrative, but the perks are relatively small potatoes by national standards. In other areas, some districts have made laptop computers and cellular phones standard for new hires. Others offer special home loans or subsidized housing. Higher salaries and assorted incentives are a start, said Mr. Cole, president of the teachers' group. But dollars alone won't do it, Mr. Cole said.