Milwaukee Public Schools increase efforts to hire international teachers to fill shortages

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Teacher shortages continue to cause major concerns across the nation. Officials with Milwaukee Public Schools say they've been focused on finding solutions.

International teachers are helping fill gaps throughout MPS, including at Marshall High school where one teacher is changing the lives of students one at a time.

Nicole Mais Bennett traveled all the way from Jamaica to become a teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools. She's been with the district since November 2021.

"I felt the welcome before I got here. It was as if something said to me...this is where you should be. The reception of welcome was absolutely great," she said.

She teaches physical education at Marshall High School. Once a teacher back home in Jamaica, she says making the decision to move to the United States was bittersweet.

"Picking up from there to come here. It was a little bit of a sad note because I have kids that I connect with very well," said Bennett.

She says the process of applying and getting the job was lengthy but smooth...most of the hiring process happened virtually and her husband was also hired by the district.

She says she loves her job and her Milwaukee students. Bennett is just one of over 200 international teachers MPS will have this year. Many are already working in schools and there are still more arriving in Milwaukee over the next few months.

"We have recruited almost 140 teachers from various countries. We have folks from Nigeria, Serbia, Albania, and Columbia," said Michael Harris, MPS Senior director of talent management.

Harris says the goal is to diversify its staff while working to navigate critical teacher shortages.

"It's a challenge. Universities and colleges are not producing teachers," he said.

By maintaining strong relationships with international teacher programs and focusing time on recruitment, MPS has been able to fill positions and assist international teachers with their transitions.

"Our plan is 3-4 weeks that they're in a hotel but then we transition them into permanent housing," said Harris.

There are still hundreds of open spots to be filled across the district. Bennett says her experience has been worth the sacrifice of leaving her home behind. "The sky is the limit for the kids," she said.

Efforts to hire more teachers internationally and locally will continue. The next MPS job fair is set for Oct. 25.