Westinghouse Student Complains About Lack Of Science Teacher
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy is a part of Pittsburgh Public Schools. It offers cosmetology, culinary arts and a math and science academy.
But recently, a graduating senior posted on Facebook that the school comes up short in the sciences.
"For the past 3-4 months, there hasn't been a science teacher in the school for the senior class. We are close to graduation and we know nothing about science," the statement read.
Superintendent Dr. Linda Lane said the school year started with six science teachers. One resigned mid-year and that caused the problem.
"There is a science teacher there, this individual started earlier this month I believe. It did take some time to get someone, but I knew that anytime we have a science opening in the middle of the school year it is problematic," she said.
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Dr. Lane explained the existing staff covered the science class while they searched for a replacement, but there is a nationwide shortage of science teachers.
"It's both pipeline issues, not that many people preparing to be science teachers and some of those that are great at science and love it, go off and work for companies that hire scientists," Dr. Lane said.
Maxine McKinney de Royston with the Center For Urban Education explains what could be causing the shortage.
"A lot of people are leaving the teaching profession, particularly math and science because they're dissatisfied. And because they're moving onto better jobs and other careers. And by better jobs, the data shows they're looking for jobs that pay more," McKinney de Royston said.
For now, according to Lane, the problem at Westinghouse High School is solved, but keeping science teachers in the classrooms in the future may be more challenging.
"We have what they call leavers and movers. We have people who leave the profession for better jobs, and we have people who move a lot from school to school, district to district," McKinney de Royston said.
