Superintendents Say Teaching Positions Remain Open in South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A new survey of school superintendents shows that more than 20 percent of school districts in South Dakota had at least one teaching position open on the first day of school.

The School Administrators of South Dakota has released the follow-up results of a survey it conducted of superintendents in June. The survey says about 91 percent of the state's 151 districts responded.

Education advocates and school officials have been petitioning legislators to address the teacher shortage in the state. They cite low pay as a main factor.

About half of survey respondents say they had four or fewer candidates for open teaching positions in their school.

About 50 superintendents say they filled a teaching position with someone who was not fully certified to teach.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.