Canyons School District starting the year with a teacher and staff shortage

SALT LAKE CITY — The first day of school for Canyons School District is fast approaching. Like many others, this district is dealing with a teacher and staff shortage.

According to Canyons School District Spokesman Jeff Haney, there are 10 teaching spots available in both general and special education. 

Haney gave some tips for those who have a child with special needs. He suggested parents consider taking a walk through the school with their child to get them familiar with their surroundings and start getting them on an earlier bedtime schedule.

“Our recruiters are looking for the teachers who have the credentials to work in a special education classroom,” Haney said.

Beyond that Haney said, “We are down more than 150 in our general education support professionals. That ranges from bus aids to class aids to nutrition service workers.”

However, Haney said that despite the shortage, they will do what they need to to make sure kids get the education they need.

“If we need to reassign people temporarily to aid teachers or be a substitute for a day, then that’s what we will do,” Haney said.

Related: 

• Back-to-school shopping this year will have families navigating rising prices

• As the school year approaches, Utah schools are suffering a staff shortage

• Davis School District welcomes hundreds of new educators this week