April 19, 2010 - Keeping highly qualified staff in a small rural school district is very difficult. When starting salaries for new teachers begin at $45,000 in the large metropolitan areas, it is difficult for rural schools like San Saba to compete. With this said, San Saba ISD is fortunate to be able to attract highly qualified staff because of our central location, the community beliefs, our innovative programs and program success, academic success and because it is a good and safe place to raise children.

How does SSISD recruit teachers? We use a variety of methods to locate teachers. The internet has become a GREAT tool for teachers looking for positions and for school districts to search for teachers. The ISD posts all positions that are available on the District’s website; as well, we post to the ESC XV website and the largest website most common to applicants searching for positions is www.tasanet.org. As well, each teacher, coaching and/or principal organization hosts a website to post openings. Another tool that is used includes University Job Fairs. This year representatives from San Saba ISD attended two job fairs – one at Angelo State University and one at Tarleton State University. In the past we have also recruited teachers from an Abilene job fair and one at Texas A & M University. This recruiting year was the first time in a good while that we have witnessed an increase in teacher candidates both in the alternative certification route and those going the pure university route. Many people do not know that there are multiple routes to teacher certification. A new method that is being used is the alternative certification route. This route provides individuals with a bachelor’s degree who want to teach an "alternative" route to teacher certification. This route is available through universities, service centers and private organizations.

Teaching or any position in the school system is difficult and very hard work. It takes people who care about kiddos and their futures to work in the school environment. School employees sacrifice time with their own families to serve the children of the community. We are so very fortunate to have a dedicated school staff that has the best interest of children as their main concern. Please keep in mind that the first week in May is the official day to recognize teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week.

If you have questions about teacher certification, please give me a call or look at the website for State Board of Educator Certification located at the TEA portal – www.tea.state.tx.us.

Please visit www.san-saba.net to view events and find information you need to know about SSISD. If you have any question about this article or any other question about school happenings please contact me at 325/372-3144 or email me at lglaze@san-saba.net . We are San Saba! We are together!