Local

Central Florida school district bringing in dozens of teachers from South America to fill vacancies

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Help is on the way for Osceola County Schools, and it’s coming all the way from South America.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

It’s all in an effort to fight the ongoing teacher shortage, and it’s not the first time the district has looked at international agencies to help fill positions.

READ: Governor signs legislation to improve school safety in Florida

About 30 teachers came to Central Florida from the Philippines, Egypt and Ghana in 2019.

This time, there are 140 teachers heading this way.

READ: First-ever surfing event makes a splash at Special Olympics USA Games

The district said they’re averaging nearly 150 absences a week. By hiring people from South America, officials hope to close the cultural gap as well as teacher gap.

The new position will not cost the district more money because they’re using funds that were already available for the 140 positions that are vacant now.

READ: Orange County schools to offer free meals to students over summer break

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.