Severe teacher shortage hits Paterson schools just before new academic year

There are more than 150 vacant jobs in Paterson's school district with the first day of school just days away.

New Jersey's third-largest city is taking steps to minimize any disruption the shortage would have.

The superintendent, Dr. Laurie W. Newell, says she will be using per diem substitutes and combining classes if where appropriate. They'll also lean on a virtual teaching platform.

Education officials say they're working on convincing more staff to their team up.

The vacancies represent about 7 percent of teaching positions in K-12.

ALSO READ: NYC delays cellphone ban in schools

New York City Mayor Eric Adams says the planned restriction of cell phones in NYC schools has been delayed.

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