Parnell asks review of teacher hiring practices

(Appeal Capital Bureau) - Assembly Education Committee Chairwoman Bonnie Parnell has asked for a review of teacher hiring practices in Nevada's 17 school districts in the wake of reports those practices are interfering with recruiting new teachers.

The Carson City Democrat, herself a former teacher, said Clark County started the school year last week nearly 300 teachers short of what they need.

"With the very serious shortage of teachers throughout the state and nation, especially in the areas of math, science and special education, we need to make sure we have policies in place to help us put the most qualified teacher in every classroom," she said.

She said Superintendent of Education Keith Rheault has promised to compile the information as quickly as possible and Parnell said she would take it to interim education committees to develop policies to help with teacher recruitment. She said the goal will be to ensure school districts are maximizing the use of hiring incentives including signing bonuses and alternative teacher licensing.