Memphis, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Memphis-Shelby County Schools is confronting a critical teacher shortage as it prepares for the upcoming school year, with over 300 vacancies reported. The majority of these vacancies are in Special Education and Elementary schools. MSCS is actively working to fill these positions through long-term substitutes and virtual teachers while implementing recruitment strategies such as hiring fairs and signing bonuses for targeted roles. Ensuring quality education for students is the district’s top priority as school opens on August 4.
Memphis – Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is facing a significant teacher shortage as it approaches the start of the new school year, with over 300 teacher vacancies reported just two weeks ahead of classes commencing on August 4. As of July 21, the district has identified approximately 317 teacher vacancies, primarily concentrated in Special Education and Elementary schools. Despite these vacancies, MSCS boasts a workforce of more than 6,000 teachers, with about 95% of positions currently filled.
The district is taking steps to ensure that every class is adequately staffed on the first day of school and throughout the academic year. Working closely with school principals, MSCS has formulated a strategy to address these vacancies by deploying long-term certified substitutes and utilizing virtual teachers in particularly challenging areas to staff. MSCS is committed to placing high-quality educators in every classroom, emphasizing the importance of a strong start for all students.
In response to the critical situation, MSCS is accelerating its recruitment efforts by offering signing bonuses for targeted roles, as well as hosting expedited hiring fairs and onboarding events in the days leading up to the reopening of schools. The district’s staffing formula, which aims to create smaller class sizes, exceeds state requirements, thereby enhancing the learning environment for students.
In tandem with teaching vacancies, MSCS is also seeking to fill several support staff positions as part of its broader strategy to ensure adequate staffing levels across the board. This need comes in light of a restructuring plan from the previous year that resulted in several staff layoffs under former Superintendent Marie Feagins, which has had lasting effects on the district’s staffing capabilities.
Overall, the current teacher shortage at MSCS presents a significant challenge as the school district gears up for the new academic year. Through strategic planning and proactive recruitment initiatives, MSCS aims to provide well-staffed classrooms that support effective teaching and learning experiences for its students.
Key Points: Teacher Shortage in Memphis-Shelby County Schools
- 317 teacher vacancies reported as of July 21.
- Majority of vacancies in Special Education and Elementary schools.
- 95% of teaching positions currently filled out of over 6,000 total teachers.
- Strategies to address shortage include long-term substitutes and virtual teaching.
- Recruitment efforts involve signing bonuses and accelerated hiring events.
- Support staff positions are also being filled amidst the shortage.
- Previous staffing challenges due to restructuring and layoffs under past leadership.
Background Context
The challenges facing Memphis-Shelby County Schools this year come in the wake of educational restructuring that affected many staff members last year. The ongoing difficulties in hiring skilled educators can significantly impact the learning environment for thousands of students across the district. Efforts are being made not only to fill teaching roles but also to address the need for support staff, which is seen as crucial to enhance the overall teaching and learning experience.
FAQ
What is the current number of teacher vacancies in Memphis-Shelby County Schools?
As of July 21, there are approximately 317 teacher vacancies in the district.
What areas are most affected by the teacher shortage?
The majority of vacancies are concentrated in Special Education and Elementary schools.
What measures is MSCS taking to fill these vacancies?
MSCS is using strategies including long-term certified substitutes, virtual teachers in hard-to-staff areas, and signing bonuses for targeted roles to recruit new educators.
When does the new school year begin for MSCS?
The new school year for Memphis-Shelby County Schools starts on August 4.
How does the staffing formula aim to affect classroom sizes?
The district’s staffing formula aims for smaller classroom sizes, exceeding state requirements to enhance the learning environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
West Memphis School District Considers Major Restructuring
West Memphis Schools Exploring Consolidation Plans
Smooth Start for Memphis Schools Amid Challenges
Community Rally Demands Change in Memphis-Shelby Schools
Achieve Miami Receives $2.4 Million Donation for Education
Levi Elementary School Temporarily Locked Down After Shooting Nearby
Memphis-Shelby School Board Implements Term Limits
Memphis Housing Initiative Sees Progress with New Affordable Homes
White Station Middle School Briefly Locked Down Due to Threat
Memphis Faces Extreme Heat Warning Amid Rising Temperatures
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis: MSCS Short Over 300 Teachers
- Wikipedia: Teacher Shortage
- Local Memphis: MSCS Teacher Vacancies
- Google Search: Memphis School Teacher Shortage
- Action News 5: MSCS Needs Teachers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WREG: MSCS Hiring Event
- Google News: Memphis Shelby County Schools Teacher Vacancies
- Commercial Appeal: MSCS Teacher Vacancies
- Local Memphis: MSCS Job Fair
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
