Educator recruitment and retention
March 19, 2022

Resolution

Whereas, California and the nation is facing an unprecedented staffing shortage in all genres of education employees on school site campuses; and

Whereas, the shortage of education employees has and will continue to negatively impact the quality of educational services being provided to California’s students; and

Whereas, learning loss for California’s students will never be caught up until education staffing shortages are reversed; and 

Whereas, it is expected that this shortage will only get worse as educators are leaving the profession in increasing numbers; and

Whereas, colleges are reporting fewer students enrolling to become credentialed educators; and

Whereas, California is experiencing a similar shortage of paraprofessionals in its schools; and

Whereas, California has a record budget surplus, a surplus that could extend for years;

Therefore, be it resolved, that CFT support and/or sponsor legislation for:

  • Creating incentives for college students to enter and complete credentialing programs including grants to cover tuition and other costs related to a university or college education;
  • Establishing a college loan forgiveness program for students completing a credentialing program and then working at a California school district for at least five (5) years;
  • Funding for an increased minimum salary for all beginning certificated employees and a living hourly wage for all paraprofessionals;
  • Funding for full-time positions, with benefits, for paraprofessionals;
  • Increasing funding for and expansion of career ladders for paraprofessionals;
  • Extending the governor’s executive order waiving the CalSTRS-related income earnings limitation for five (5) years;
  • Creating a waiver for CalPERS-related income for five (5) years;
  • Funding for home loan assistance programs, not unlike the Veterans Administration;
  • Funding for school districts to purchase land and then build subsidized housing for education employees who have worked in that district for at least three (3) years or more;
  • Implementing a public relations and social media campaign aimed at high school seniors and first-year college students publicizing these incentives.