Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) is gearing up for the new school year and has made significant progress in reducing the number of open teaching positions. With just two weeks remaining until students return to the classrooms, the district has dedicated efforts to attract and hire as many teachers as possible.
CPS launched an aggressive campaign to recruit educators, resulting in a substantial decrease in open positions. The number has plummeted from 200 down to approximately 90, marking a reduction of more than half. Superintendent Iranetta Wright expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, It’s definitely been an aggressive search for teachers.
The district’s recruitment initiatives have been ongoing since early May. To expedite the hiring process, they have organized events like Walk-In Wednesday, where interested teachers can apply, interview, and even secure a position right on the spot. Superintendent Wright emphasized that hiring remains a top priority for CPS, and they continue to work tirelessly to maximize the available teaching positions and fill any remaining vacancies.
One powerful tool in attracting teachers to CPS is their competitive take-home pay. Julie Sellers, President of the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, acknowledges that offering an enticing salary can be a significant advantage in recruiting quality educators. While the Ohio Department of Education recommends a starting salary of $35,000 for first-year teachers, CPS surpasses this with a starting salary exceeding $50,000. Despite this generous compensation, Superintendent Wright acknowledged that it can never fully compensate teachers for the invaluable work they do.
The district leaders are particularly delighted to welcome younger teachers who have recently joined CPS. Superintendent Wright extended her warm regards, saying, We’re glad to have you. We look forward to an amazing year. Our goal is to make sure that you become very, very quickly a part of the CPS family.
However, amidst the achievements, Superintendent Wright recognizes that there is still work to be done. The district plans to closely monitor the situation and ensure that all teaching positions are adequately filled. By doing so, CPS aims to provide the best possible education for their students.
In summary, Cincinnati Public Schools has made significant progress in reducing the number of open teaching positions as they prepare to commence the new school year. Through aggressive recruitment efforts and hosting various events, they have managed to cut the number of vacancies by over 50%. Offering a competitive starting salary has been instrumental in attracting quality educators to the district. Despite the successes, CPS remains focused on their hiring goals and will continue to work diligently to fill any remaining positions. The district expresses excitement and extends a warm welcome to the incoming teachers, emphasizing their commitment to integrating them into the CPS family quickly. With the new academic year approaching, CPS aims to ensure that all teaching positions are filled, providing their students with an exceptional education.
