Miami-Dade County sees first day of school with teacher shortage

Hialeah Gardens, Florida – Wednesday marked the first day back to school for students in Miami-Dade County.

According to Principal Maritza Jimenez, At Hialeah Gardens High School, students and staff were energized to start the new school year. “We’re very excited that it’s the first day of school. We are ready to learn, our teachers are excited,” Jimenez said.

The excitement was also seen from 7Skyforce high above at Barbara Goleman Senior High School.

This year is M-DCPS Superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres’ first full year leading the fourth largest school district.

On Wednesday, he stopped by several schools, including Comstock Elementary in Miami, where students are learning in a brand-new $17 million building. “It’s really important to have students in brand-new buildings with facilities like this,” said Dotres.

The superintendent also visited students in their classrooms.

For the first time since 2019, students are returning without pandemic restrictions. “I think, after the pandemic, this is the first year that we’ll have stability across the board with teaching and learning, an opportunity for students and teachers to connect in a renewed way,” said Dotres.

Despite no major issues, so far, on the first day in Miami-Dade, the district, like many other schools across the country, is facing a teacher shortage. “We do have certified teachers at this school district that will be asked to cover classes until those classes are able to find a teacher,” said Dotres.