Middle Tennessee is experiencing a teacher shortage, which makes it hard on both Murfreesboro and Rutherford County Schools. "JC” Bowman, the Executive Director & CEO of Professional Educators of Tennessee, told WGNS NEWS… Again, public schools across the state have an immediate need to fill 1,000 teaching positions. Of those 1,000 openings, 800 are specifically in Middle Tennessee.

To make matters worse, 7-thousand educators are currently eligible for retirement and more will be eligible within the next 2-years… That equates to over 10,000 teachers who could possibly retire between now and 2024. Education Committee Chair Rep. Mark White said we need to get current school students interested in teaching at an earlier age. Rep. White  told WGNS about his idea to form a ‘Teaching Corps’…

Lawmakers have also been working on ways to get retired teachers back in the classroom. In fact, a bill that went into effect this past July, allows retirees who have been retired for at least 60 days and are under the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System, to accept re-employment as a kindergarten through twelfth grade teacher (or substitute teacher, or school bus driver), without loss or suspension of retirement benefits (See SB 2702 HERE).

Listen to the entire interview by WGNS’ Bryan Barrett HERE. Barrett discussed education and open teaching positions with State Rep. Mike Sparks of Smyrna, Education Committee Chair Rep. Mark White and Professional Educators of TN Exec. Dir. JC Bowman (Interview HERE).

Learn how you can become a teacher in Rutherford County through their Teach Now program HERE. You can also learn about teaching positions within the Murfreesboro City Schools HERE. 

More WGNS News Headlines: 

1.) Sheriff’s Office Steps Up Patrol in School Zones After 3-Children Struck by Vehiclesin 5-Days

2.) Fuel Prices Continue to Go Down in Rutherford County and Beyond

3.) UPDATE: Motorcycle Vs. Car Accident on S. Church St. in Murfreesboro

4.) Rutherford Co. Fire Crews Proved to be Busy Last Week