The United States has grappled with a teacher shortage since the 1970s, and Baldwin County schools are trying to address this issue to ensure its educators remain unaffected.

A survey by the National Education Association identified several key factors contributing to the nationwide teacher shortage, including concerns about personal safety, economic challenges, insufficient emotional support, limited family time, health-related exhaustion and stress.

Tiffany Wilson, human resources director at Baldwin County Public Schools, emphasized the institution's commitment to the well-being of its staff.

"We have the Employee Wellness program," Wilson said. "We have an agreement where we pay for the services for employees to be able to receive assistance like counseling free of charge."

This initiative extends its benefits not only to staff but also to their immediate family members. The HR director said the program has expanded and added an occupational nurse.

"We've added an occupational health nurse that serves employees if they have to take a leave of absence or if they have an on-the-job injury or medical issue," Wilson said.

To gauge the impact of the Wellness program, a survey was conducted focusing on stress levels and stress management among employees.

"We did a survey where we were specifically asking questions about their stress levels and how they manage stress so we can look at our processes to see if there is anything we can do to help," she said. "One of the things that came back on the survey for teachers specifically is that they said sometimes it was difficult for them to find a sub."

Wilson said they revamped their process in HR for onboarding substitute teachers so they can process more quickly.

Beyond employee support, BCPS has established partnerships to address the shortage. The University of West Alabama's Project Outreach allows community members with a non-education bachelor's degree to obtain the necessary certification for teaching.

This program allows community members in Baldwin County who have a bachelor's degree in any area except education. The program helps individuals get the degree they need to be a certified teacher. During their time in this, they will participate in one year internship with Baldwin County Schools and receive a starting teacher salary.

Baldwin County schools also offer scholarships for employees who are looking to advance their education.

"We have a multitude of scholarships that we are giving to support getting the best teachers here in Baldwin County," said Wilson.

The HR director explained that these scholarships are funded through donations.

In efforts to recognize and value their educators, Baldwin County schools implement opportunities to recognize employees for their hard work and dedication.

"We have employee recognitions and employee of the month awards," she said. "We also have a periodic newsletter that gives employees information they need to have, and we also recognize employees through the newsletter."

In an article published on the Economic Policy Institute in 2019, it was found that teachers' weekly wages in 2018 were 21.4% lower than their non-teaching acquaintances.

Despite the national disparity in teachers' wages compared to non-teaching roles, Wilson emphasized that Baldwin County is among the highest-paying school districts in Alabama, surpassing the state average by 6.5%.

Baldwin County's starting salary for teachers for the 2023-2024 school year is $49,872 for a beginning teacher with a bachelor's degree and no experience. With a master's degree, it is $57,352. With a doctorate, it is $66,335.

"Not only do we need to show them (employees) that we support them by doing these programs, but we need to show them monetarily that they are important to us," she said. Addressing safety concerns, Baldwin County Schools has implemented a crisis alert system.

According to a previous article by Gulf Coast Media, teachers wear the crisis alert system badge around their neck and at the push of a button can alert their school's crisis team.

Assistance Superintendent of Safety Marty McRae said they came to the decision to bring this alert system into their district after discussing the possibility for a while.

"Time is very, very important and how fast you can get things done," McRae said in a previous Gulf Coast Media article. "With this system, instead of relying on the intercom, it will take over the teacher's computers in case they are in a situation where they can't hear the intercom."

In tackling the teacher shortage, Baldwin County schools combines comprehensive support programs, educational partnerships, financial incentives and safety measures to foster an environment where educators feel valued and secure.