DPS Teachers are Fleeing the District at an Unprecedented Rate

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"An uncertainty about the future of the school district, an expected spike in health care costs and stagnant pay is creating what union officials say is an unprecedented number of midyear retirements and resignations in Detroit, the Detroit Free Press reports.

That's causing a teacher shortage, Ann Zaniewski of the Freep reports.

Patrick Falcusan, financial analyst and retirement counselor for the Detroit Federation of Teachers union, tells the Freep that those conditions have pushed some teachers who were on the fence about retiring to finally do so.

"Virtually every day, somebody calls me and wants to quit or retire," he said. "A number of teachers aren't coming back after Christmas. ...

http://deadlinedetroit.com/articles/...s#.VlixKXarTIU

The Freep writes:

In early November, there were at least 170 teaching vacancies. DPS spokesman Michelle Zdrodowski said Wednesday that the number has been reduced to 135 by reorganizing some teaching assignments based on enrollment numbers from the fall student count day.

The shortage has pushed other academic staff, such as instructional specialists and school service assistants, into teaching roles. About 115 substitutes have been assigned to fill empty spots.