Washington Principals Call Teacher Shortage ‘Crisis’

SEATTLE (AP) — Principals across Washington are saying the current teacher shortage has reached a "crisis" and is placing severe strain on schools.

KOMO-TVreports that in a survey of 730 principals representing 35 percent of the state's public schools, 80 percent of principals said they have had to hire under-qualified teachers and 74 percent said they had to substitute for a classroom teacher within five days of when the survey was taken in October.

Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Bob Butts says there is a shortage of teachers and substitutes.

The survey was sponsored by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Association of Washington School Principals.