District outlines teacher‑recruitment pathways as new‑hire numbers decline

Maryann Stavy, a district learning and instruction specialist, presented the Eagle County School District’s 'pathways in education' program at the Sept. 24 meeting, describing partnerships with Colorado Mountain College, CareerX internships and teacher apprenticeship programs that aim to grow local educators from current students, staff and residents.

Stavy provided recent hiring figures: 63 new teachers in 2022–23, 71 in 2023–24, 47 in 2024–25 and 25 so far this year (figure presented verbally). She said the district employed 35 new educators in the classroom this year, of whom nine (26%) hold alternative licenses; three international hires were made this year (down from 11 and 21 in prior years). Stavy also noted 11 school‑based therapists and credited district housing capacity for helping recruitment.

The presentation outlined three improvement strategies: (1) career pathways and student internships to grow local candidates; (2) internal coaching to 'coach up' current employees into teaching roles; and (3) traditional recruitment and partnerships to attract experienced teachers. Stavy recommended ongoing emphasis on local pipelines and noted that apprenticeship and alternative‑license pathways are important complements to conventional teacher prep.

Board members thanked the presenters and asked for a longer follow‑up session; the district said it would bring more teachers back for extended presentations to board members. No vote was taken on the presentation; budget and staffing implications will be addressed in future work sessions and as the state budget picture becomes clearer.