A new state law allowing retired teachers in Tennessee to return to the classroom without losing their retirement benefits is helping to fuel a hiring boost for Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS). To maximize this boost, the MSCS Department of Human Resources (HR) will host Open Interviews for retired educators interested in returning to the classroom on Friday, July 22, 2022, at our New Teacher Academy (3030 Jackson Avenue) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

To register, retirees can call 901-416-5304or email [email protected].

Teacher Retention

MSCS instructional positions are currently 96.2% filled for the upcoming school year despite nationwide labor shortages that have not only impacted supplies and materials but also workforces on every level, forcing businesses and school districts across the country to implement new strategies to recruit and retain employees. Thanks to these innovative strategies, higher teacher salaries (coupled with various bonus/stipend opportunities), increased benefits/healthcare contributions, and a new bill passed by Tennessee lawmakers, MSCS is making great strides to ensure the District is staffed by the first day of school.

“The extensive work we are doing with induction and retention strategies is helping us fill vacancies with qualified individuals ready and willing to join the MSCS family,” said Human Resources Chief Yolanda Martin. “We are heading for even greater heights!”

• There are currently 220 teacher vacancies. In comparison, there were 268 teacher vacancies at this time last year, resulting in an 18% decrease in vacant positions to date.
• Teacher separations for the 2021-22 school year are lower than the previous five fiscal years and significantly lower than pre-pandemic school years (2016-2019).

One of the District’s most successful strategies this year is the implementation of Open Interviews for Teachers. Open Interviews is a recurring hiring event facilitated by the District’s HR team to ensure candidates are supported in navigating licensure pathways and getting connected to open positions within the District. Through this strategy, 478 teachers have been recommended for hire since mid-May. HR has already filled most K-5 Classroom Teachers, Middle Grades Teachers, and non-End of Course high school vacancies. As the District works to fill hard-to-place positions, the new state law welcoming retirees back to the classroom has been incredibly impactful.