Governor Evers wants to make it easier to hire retired teachers

MILWAUKEE — In a state address, Gov. Tony Evers said Wisconsin wants to better understand its students and see them “achieve their highest potential.”

One of the things he suggested was to put $20 million into improving literacy across the state, but that’s not the only thing he wants to do. Evers says one of his ways to help Wisconsin students reach their full potential is by keeping class sizes small. This is difficult in a school district that struggles to hire and retain teachers.

he wants it to be easier.

This is exciting news for Deedle Roemer, Director of Leadership and Learning for the West Alice-West Milwaukee School District.

“Right now, our local neighborhood schools for public education need some boost when it comes to recruiting and retaining teachers,” Romer said. Excited to hear that our Public Education Department is working closely with districts to provide flexible options for getting people into the classroom. I have.”

One thing the governor thinks will help is to bring back retired teachers.

“I am proposing ways to bring experienced educators back into the workforce by making it easier for school districts to hire retired teachers and staff,” Evers said in a state address. bottom.

Wisconsin now has rules that make it more difficult to hire retired teachers to avoid what is called a “double dip.” That’s when retired teachers are receiving pensions, but are being rehired and being paid for returning to the classroom.

For at least 75 days, school districts cannot contact retired teachers about job opportunities, Roemer said. There are also limits on how long retired teachers can come back to work.

Retired teachers have a lot to offer, Roemer said relaxing some restrictions would help.

“When you take 25 to 30 years to hone your skills, you have a lot to share with teachers who are new to the profession,” says Roemer. “There is still a lot to share with students, families, etc. So for me, the value might be the public perception that is not very fair as people perceive it as double dipping and things like that. Not more important than many other things.”

However, Romer said this is a short-term fix if the investment in hiring and retaining new teachers is not balanced.

Evers has announced that it will provide $20 million for recruitment and retention, and an additional $10 million for local community educators to bolster these efforts.