Elizabeth School District gets creative with teacher recruitment, retention efforts

ELIZABETH, Colo. (KDVR) — Elizabeth School District officials say they are not leaving any stone unturned when it comes to filling the more than 50 vacancies they have throughout the district.

On Saturday, school officials held a job fair. It’s one way the district is looking to fill the open jobs.

About 60 people came out. Ten were even hired on the spot — five teachers and five paraprofessionals. Another eight people signed up to be substitute teachers.

Rural districts in general have difficulties with attracting and retaining staff, especially when nearby districts can pay more. Elizabeth School District is taking a multi-layer approach when it comes to recruiting and retaining its teachers.

“Teaching in the metro area is very different than teaching in rural Colorado,” said Dan Snowberger, superintendent of Elizabeth School District. “Something we’re trying to highlight as a school district here in Elizabeth.”

He says part of the approach is not only thinking outside of the box but also outside of the traditional pay scale.

“Our school funding formula is really outdated and school districts really aren’t funded at the same level as our metro district colleagues,” he said “So, rural school districts have to do something different to reward teachers for their contributions.”

The district recently changed its compensation system: No longer do teachers have to wait a year to get a small pay increase.

“Teachers now are able to advance on the salary system based upon contributions or leadership based on their own personal development,” said Snowberger.

On the old teacher salary schedule educators starting would make around $40,000. On the new schedule, they will receive a minimum bump of $3,000.

Every year for the first five years, if teachers stay within the district they will get a $1,000 annual increase in pay.

Substitute teachers also needed in Colorado’s rural districts

“I’m looking at potentially substitute teaching,” said Sarah.

She was one of the dozens of job seekers who came out Saturday morning. She also has a middle school child in the district.

“I thought it was a good opportunity to just kind of check out how I can contribute to my community a little bit,” she said. “I’m in a situation where I had availability so I thought there’s an opportunity where I can come in and help and see what education looks like.”

Amber Sorg, who will become principal of Singing Hills Elementary this coming school year, said she has worked in larger districts before but prefers a smaller setting.

“I think it’s a good way to be a part of a family. I think when you’re in a large district like I’ve been in you sort of feel like a number,” she said. “I definitely think in a small town you get to be a part of a community. Not just a number but they really know you in a small town. “

Administrators haven’t had a particularly easy time finding teachers, but say the last few years have been more difficult than ever.

“There’s been fewer and fewer educators and fewer and fewer young people going into the profession,” said Tony Vruggink, principal at Legacy Academy. “So, it’s good to see the interest in knowing that it’s not so hard to find educators anymore. People are willing to come in and work In the field with kids, and learn and be a part of the team.”

All teachers in the Elizabeth Schoo District will get the $3,000 bump in pay by next school year. Some will get more depending on various factors.

To view a full list of the vacancies available for registration or application go to the Elizabeth School District’s website.