ATLANTA — A new survey gives a fresh look at how the teacher shortage is impacting schools across the country. In Georgia, more retired teachers are stepping up to fill the gap.
A recent survey from the National Center for Education Statistics found that almost half of public schools felt understaffed at the start of the school year. The numbers have improved compared to last year (53%), but hiring elementary and special education teachers remains a challenge. Retired teachers are now helping fill key areas to help with the shortage.
“Our retired educators, they have such a passion for education,” Jessica Stormer, Executive Director of Student Services for Henry County Schools, said. “They have a true understanding of the impact it makes in the lives of our students and also for our community, and so they are eager to get back and share their expertise, their knowledge and their skill set to provide such excellent instruction to our students.”
The educators’ return to the classroom follows the passage of H.B. 385 in 2022, which allowed certain retired teachers the ability to return to teaching while retaining a full pension and full salary. Henry County Schools welcomed back 11 retirees this year, Stormer shared.
“Our teachers are what creates the fabric of the support system and the future livelihoods for so many of our students,” she said. “Without them, I don’t know where we would be, and so to have these teachers who have spent their lives in education come back and give their skill set to us is immeasurable.”
Among those who’ve returned to teach full time is Heather Hausser.
“I was fortunate to work part-time as well as an administrator and fell in love with Luella and the staff and the school here,” Hausser said.
Hausser spent thirty years as a teacher before her return to teach special education full time at Luella High School.
“I have the best group of kids here and they are all amazing and so they are wonderful. I learn from them every day,” Hausser shared.
It’s a gift watching teachers like Hausser return to the profession, Luella High School’s Principal Brandi Hardnett explained.
“When you see them in action, you see their gifts come to life,” Hardnett said. “It’s truly like watching magic in real time, especially in these high need critical areas.”
For Hausser, the joy of teaching is further enhanced by watching students succeed through the years. Hardnett was a former student of hers.
“I would almost do this for free! Just kidding, Henry County,” she added with a laugh.
Joking aside, Hausser still looks forward to the next four years, a timeline she’s anxiously waiting to see her freshmen graduate.