Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. fill the gap
    • ex. Volunteers came to fill the gap when the hospital did not have enough staff.
  2. immigration
    • ex. Immigration has increased in recent years.
  3. impending
    • ex. There was a feeling of impending danger in the area.
  4. rural
    • ex. Many people in rural areas enjoy living close to nature.
  5. non-certified
    • ex. The school does not accept non-certified teachers.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Schools in Allendale County are facing teacher shortages and have hired teachers from other countries to fill the gap. About one-fourth of the district’s teachers come from countries like Jamaica and the Philippines. The director said these teachers show strong dedication and help students learn important subjects. However, changes in U.S. immigration policies and rising visa costs are making it harder to keep them. Some teachers now face impending departures as their contracts end.

 The problem is especially serious in rural areas, where schools often struggle to attract local teachers. These areas may have fewer services, housing, and lower salaries. Because of this, some districts depend on international teachers. In Oregon, the Umatilla School District hired teachers from Spain, but they later returned home due to uncertainty and stress.

To deal with the shortage, some schools are trying new solutions. These include hiring online teachers or, in some cases, non-certified instructors. In Allendale County, students may learn from teachers through video lessons if no local teachers are available. School leaders say in-person teaching is still the best, but they must adjust as employment challenges continue.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Job of Teachers

  • In your opinion, how important are teachers in our society? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what qualities are necessary for teachers? Discuss.
  • In the United States, many rural areas struggle to attract local teachers. Is this situation similar to that of teachers in rural areas in your country? Why do you think so? Discuss.

Alternative Solutions to Teacher Crisis

  • To deal with teacher shortage, some schools are hiring non-certified instructors. What do you think about this solution? Discuss.
  • Compare your experience with online teachers to in-person teachers. Discuss.
  • In the U.S., some solutions to teacher shortages include hiring online teachers and non-certified teachers. Do you think these solutions can also be applied or used in your country? Why or why not? Discuss.