Oklahoma Faces Severe Teacher Shortage, Officials Say

The teachers and state officials acknowledge the state is facing a severe teacher shortage.

According the Oklahoma Education Association, there aren't enough substitute teachers, food service workers or bus drivers. Every element of the public school system is low on workers.

Katherine Bishop, president of the OEA, said there are hundreds of teachers who'll start the school year with emergency certifications, allowing them to bypass the traditional certification process, but that it's a short-term solution.

"The Oklahoma Education Association stands ready, ready to work with our elected officials," Bishop said. "To see what we can do to invest in our workforce and student's education."

Oklahoma lawmakers recently passed legislation to recruit the next generation of teachers through scholarships, in order for them to continue their own education to later on teach in the state.