We often hear of jobs in this country that only immigrant workers are willing to do, for the most part. There are also some jobs where there is a shortage of Americans who are qualified to do the work.
In 2005, Topeka Unified School District 501 started searching abroad to find highly qualified teachers for hard-to-fill openings in math, science and special education. Now, as reported by the Topeka Capital-Journal, six teachers from the Philippines, here since 2006, may have to leave the country.
The school district wants these teachers to stay, but the U.S. Department of Labor has blocked the district’s applications for permanent residency for them. The district is appealing, but is worried the same problems will arise for another 20 teachers down the line. The Labor Department rejected USD 501’s argument that foreign teachers are needed because of a shortage of American candidates.
Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins’ office contacted the district asking whether she might help, and Sen. Pat Roberts also sought information, the Capital-Journal reports.
Part of the problem is that Kansas teachers earn less than teachers in 40 other states, according to the National Education Association. So, as with migrant workers who are willing to accept low wages for seasonal farm jobs, these highly skilled teachers are willing to work for thousands of dollars less than American teachers can earn in other states.
Topeka USD 501 solved its immediate problem and in the process found some teachers who are worth keeping. Why not let them stay?
This problem isn’t unique to Topeka; Wichita is also looking abroad for teachers. Unless we raise teacher salaries or are willing to accept less qualified teachers for some positions, the problem will persist.