The community welcomed 105 special education teachers from the Philippines at the Christ the King Church Saturday.
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations in Nevada organized the event to make the teachers feel welcome.
The teachers will fill a critical need in the Clark County School District as the nationwide teacher shortage continues.
Locals are getting ready to welcome 105 special education teachers from the Philippines. As the special ed teacher shortage nationwide continues, @ClarkCountySch says these teachers will fill a critical need in our area. pic.twitter.com/4v32vgB7lj
— Nina Porciuncula (@NinaReports) July 28, 2018
CCSD officials say they pushed for a recruitment locally and across the country but still that wasn't enough. It's been difficult for the district to find and hire quality special education teachers because of a nationwide teacher shortage.
That is why the school district felt the need to look overseas for help filling the spots.
Here's why it's hard to find and keep these types of teachers:
Special education teachers have a greater workload because they have to create individualized teaching plans for every student and their specific needs. They also have the pressure of state laws and guidelines when it comes to dealing with special needs kids.
13 Action News spoke with the new teachers they say they are excited to start the school year especially knowing we have such a great and supportive community here.
Jayfrey Guerra, says, "Being a special education teacher the challenge is given. And the hardest part for me is that I'm taking away from my family."
Bhea Amay, says, "Yeah it's hard but knowing that I have friends here knowing that I have Filipino communities here I know I can get through."
CCSD says the new teachers are all highly qualified. They all have work visas, college degrees, and experience with special needs kids.
