PSS turns to subs due to hiring difficulty

The Public School System has turned to hiring substitute teachers as it currently is having a difficult time recruiting qualified classroom teachers, according to PSS acting human resource officer Ramon Diaz Jr.

Of the 490 teachers in the system, Diaz said 20 to 30 are substitutes. He added that the unexpected and immediate resignation of a number of teachers was the reason why PSS resorted to hiring subs.

Saipan Tribune learned that substitute teachers are usually offered a three- to six-month contract by PSS.

However, depending on the need and the recommendation or request of principals, these substitutes could also be given “long-term” contracts, Diaz said.

“That contract can be terminated anytime,” he added.

Currently, of the 490 public school teachers, 67 percent are highly qualified, with a degree, valid teaching certificates, and passed Praxis tests, Diaz said.

He said it is the policy of the system to equip every classroom with an HQT based on the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

As for the impact on instruction of putting substitutes in classroom teacher positions, Diaz explained that some substitutes are “retirees” who have knowledge on student performance and student learning.

“In this case, we’re seeing no big difference or impact on the quality of instruction. Those retirees hired as classroom teachers are equipped with the knowledge and know-how on student learning and performance,” he said, adding they are qualified to provide quality learning for students.

But Diaz is not discounting the “influence” of substitutes who may not have a degree or passed rigorous exams. Saipan Tribune learned that a few of these substitutes are new graduates.

The acting human resource officer said majority of the substitutes are assigned to secondary schools, doing the work left by the teachers in mostly content areas.

“The recruitment of off-island teachers is very difficult now,” he disclosed, adding that the CNMI has limited talent that could be tapped by the public schools.

“We have a very limited talent here,” Diaz said, adding that those talents are mostly in the system now.

The current state of the economy and the environment add to the factors in “encouraging” foreign talents.

Just recently, two classroom teachers tendered their immediate resignation from PSS. The same positions will also be offered to substitutes until replacements are named, he added.

Based on the teachers’ compensation plan, an HQT receives a salary between $28,000 to a maximum of $47,000 annually, depending on qualifications and requirements while those who have yet to pass Praxis 1 and 2 have their salaries reduced to the starting level until they pass the requirement.

Saipan Tribune learned that some substitutes are also considered teacher aides and assistants.

The Northern Marianas College is the only institution that offers a degree program in elementary education. After graduation, these alumni could only serve the elementary level.

For the secondary level, teachers in content areas or specialized subjects need to have a specific degree associated with the discipline they are teaching in. To meet such a requirement, one needs to enroll in off-island universities and colleges, which offer the courses.