HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Alabama State Department of Education is launching its first wave of its Alabama teacher recruitment campaign.
The goal of the campaign is to use long-term advertising and public relations efforts to recruit highly qualified people who want to receive or maintain a valid Alabama teaching certificate.
“Like many other states, Alabama is experiencing a growing teacher shortage and needs a new focus on the recruitment of new talent to fill an ever-expanding pipeline. We need young people who want to make a difference in their community and our state by teaching,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric G. Mackey.
“From kindergarten to graduation, our focus is helping prepare students to become more productive citizens through subjects including reading, math and science – and teachers are the key. We must recruit more high-quality teachers to help prepare our state for the future in a high-tech economy. This campaign will encourage young people to answer their calling and join a valued community that makes a difference in countless lives.”
The state has resources available on its website, WeTeachAlabama.com, for those interested in a career in education and provides a platform for current teachers to share their stories.
“Our intent with all of our collective campaign efforts it to raise perceptions of the teaching profession overall, stressing how vital teachers are to both the input and outcome of public education,” said Dr. Mackey. “We want to arm interested students with information to prepare them for life after high school as they make their career choices while instilling knowledge of the importance teachers have on literally every person – and ultimately every other profession.”
The Alabama Teacher Shortage Taskforce said that 123 of 144 Alabama school districts have turned to hiring teachers on emergency or provisional certificates, which they say indicates shortages are being experienced statewide.