As the Sioux Falls School District gears up for the upcoming school year, the district has made significant strides in hiring new employees to meet the needs of its diverse student population. With the school year set to begin on August 22, the district has brought on board 148 new teachers, with 70 of them being first-year teachers. This influx of new educators also includes 55 individuals who previously worked in different roles within the district, 38 alternatively-certified teachers, and 14 former Sioux Falls School District teachers who have returned to the district.
According to Human Resources Director Becky Dorman, the district has made a concerted effort to increase the diversity of its teaching staff. This fall, 23 of the new teachers hired are considered „ethnically diverse,“ bringing the district-wide diversity of teaching staff to 6.5%. Dorman emphasized the importance of creating a work environment that fosters employee motivation, engagement, and belonging, with a specific focus on hiring staff who reflect the diversity of the Sioux Falls community. This initiative is in line with the district’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education that celebrates and embraces the differences among its student body.
In terms of recruitment efforts, the Sioux Falls School District received over 1,140 applications for teaching positions this year, with a significant number of applicants coming from both within South Dakota and outside the U.S. The average applicant has nine years of teaching experience, highlighting the district’s appeal to seasoned educators. Additionally, half of the applicant pool consists of candidates requiring employment visas, as well as non-certified applicants pursuing a career through alternative certification pathways.
Despite the successful recruitment of new teachers, the district still has nine teaching positions open, including roles in special education, elementary, middle, and high school levels. To address these vacancies, the HR department is actively seeking to hire a minimum of 250 substitute staff by late fall to meet the needs of schools and replenish the substitute staff pool.
In addition to hiring new teachers, the district has also focused on recruiting support staff, including education assistants, specialists, child nutrition staff, clerical, coaches, and administrative personnel. While 131 support staff members have been hired during the spring and summer, 75 vacancies remain on the district’s website, with job postings typically increasing in August.
To attract and retain top talent, the Sioux Falls School District has implemented various recruitment and retention efforts, such as teacher apprenticeship programs, job fairs, interview nights, hiring bonuses, tuition assistance, and assistance with certification and praxis tests. The district is also launching a new „learn and earn“ program for student teachers, allowing them to substitute teach for pay once a week to gain experience, meet principals, and explore different grade levels and subject areas.
Overall, the Sioux Falls School District’s proactive approach to recruitment and retention reflects its commitment to providing a high-quality education for its students. By prioritizing diversity, professional development, and employee support, the district is poised to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for the upcoming school year and beyond.