PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona's schools for deaf and blind students are feeling the effects of the state's teacher shortage.
The Arizona Capitol Times reports that more than 200 teachers serve approximately 2,000 children in two schools for the deaf, one school for the blind and at statewide programs in public schools.
The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind has 13 teacher vacancies and will need 21 more teachers if a proposal from Gov. Doug Ducey to provide $1.6 million in additional money to the schools' early childhood program is approved by lawmakers.
About half of the agency's teachers will be eligible for early or full retirement within five years.
The agency spent $33,500 this year on relocation expenses aimed at enticing teachers to come work in Arizona.