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Tempe Union staffing update: 41 new hires, special education and transportation remain hard-to-fill
Summary
Human resources reported 41 new certified hires for the 2025-26 school year, many hard-to-fill openings in special education, math and science, and current vacancies including four special education teachers and psychologist positions.
Human Resources Director Mr. Hazel reported the district hired 41 certified teachers for the 2025-26 school year, 14 of whom were new to the profession. Most new hires came from neighboring East Valley districts and charters; some were from out of state. Hazel said the district’s hardest-to-fill areas remain math, science and special education.
The presentation included turnover data showing 61 certified employees left the district last year, largely due to retirement. Hazel said only two departing teachers were within their first three years in the profession and that the district’s induction and mentoring programs likely contributed to early-career retention.
Current vacancies at the time of the meeting included four special education teacher openings and two psychologist positions; Hazel said the district is arranging psych interns for spring if needed. Classified positions such as custodians, paraprofessionals and bus drivers were also being recruited, and the district continues to work with Frontline, university job fairs and local partners to recruit applicants.
Board members asked about proactive outreach for classified hires and discussed partnering with city programs and union apprenticeship pathways to recruit candidates. Vice President Steele asked how many teachers hold special-education certification but are not teaching in special education; Hazel said about 20 teachers hold the certification but are not assigned to special-education roles.
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