HI HCR81

Legislature urges the Department of Education to consider offering salary credit for certain practical experience when hiring teachers for specialist positions in identified shortage areas.

Specialist teacher positions in Hawaii, particularly for deaf and hard of hearing services, remain vacant for extended periods, leaving students without adequate educational services.

Department of Education faces hiring difficulties for specialist positions due to statutory pay scale restrictions that do not credit incoming teachers for experience gained outside the State.

Board of Education policy 2205 establishes that deaf students have the right to qualified specialists trained in the student's chosen mode of communication.

Resolution directs certified copies to be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education, Board of Education Chairperson, and President of the Hawaii State Teachers Association.