Paterson, NJ Faces Teacher Shortage: Efforts to Fill 79 Vacancies

Addressing Teacher Vacancies in Paterson

• 🎯 Paterson Public Schools is actively working to fill 79 teacher vacancies across the city.
• 💡 Superintendent Lorie Newell highlighted that the district has hosted job fairs throughout the summer and will continue outreach efforts in the fall.
• 🌟 Initiatives are underway to showcase Patterson Public Schools as a desirable place to work and build a career.

Back-to-School Excitement and Challenges

• 📚 At Charles J. Riley Elementary, students and staff are experiencing a mix of excitement and first-day jitters as the new school year begins.
• 🏫 Principal Dominic Carrero emphasizes the importance of understanding and meeting each child's social-emotional needs in the initial days.
• 📈 While facing challenges, school officials, parents, and grandparents express enthusiasm for the upcoming academic year.

Chronic Absenteeism in Paterson

• ⚠️ Paterson is grappling with high rates of chronic absenteeism, currently at approximately 35%, which is more than double the statewide average.
• ✅ However, there has been an improvement, with absenteeism numbers dropping by nearly 4% in the last school year.