Shortage of teachers in California affects local school classroom sizes

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Following years of layoffs and budget cuts, many college students choose not to become teachers, which is leading to a shortage of school teachers in the state, officials said.

Maria Gandera, the assistant superintendent of human resources for Glendale Unified School District, said not enough teachers are applying, especially for subjects such as math and science.

A recent field poll shows the majority of Californians are seriously concerned about the growing shortages, but some parents said they understand.

Angie Grace said her daughters, who are in different grades, are having to share the same classroom and teacher. She said that is something she was initially concerned about, but later found it beneficial.

But not every parent feels the same way as Grace.

Larry Tario said there are too many children in a classroom for one teacher to handle and that there needs to be more teachers to help one another out.

Glendale Unified School District said 30 to 35 teachers retire every school year, and at this point, the district will expand its search to find the right candidates.

"You are going to see a lot of school districts recruiting outside of the state of California. We are going to have to go outside the boundaries of the state of California to find teachers for the future," Gandera said.