Milwaukee schools offer $1,000 bonus to licensed, retired teachers in effort to fill vacancies

Astrid Wagner worked 32 years in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), but she decided to return as the district provides bonuses to licensed, retired teachers for coming back to classrooms.

“Is every day easy? No, I mean, are there times where sometimes I struggle a little? Yes. But in the long run, I also see what I can give to them and what they can give to me,” she told Spectrum News 1.

The district has offered teachers such as Wagner a $1,000 bonus to work full time or part time depending on their pension – even offering to “split up duties and offer co-teaching options,” the news outlet reported.

“MPS leaders said their biggest need is for special education teachers, as well as those who specialize in art, music and physical education.”

‘A crisis for our students, our families’

As previously reported by The Lion, Wisconsin has noted ongoing staffing challenges because of the low retention rate of its teachers.

Just 55% of public-school teachers – and 46% of teachers in special education – had stayed in their original jobs after seven years, according to a report by the state’s Department of Public Instruction.

“The data suggests that if Wisconsin could retain its educators, along with more completers of educator preparation programs, this would significantly address the shortages schools are experiencing,” authors noted.

Special education teachers “face unique stressors and are at high risk for burnout and attrition,” according to the report.

State Superintendent Jill Underly called the high turnover rate “a crisis for our students, our families, our schools and our communities.”

“Our schools are telling us they need help with fewer teachers,” she said. “The ones who stay on are stretched thinner and thinner, trying to meet the growing needs of every student.”

Wagner acknowledged the unique challenges of her job, but said the benefits outweighed the disadvantages.

“I’m just very passionate about being with the kids and having them learn and ask questions,” she told journalists. “It’s just something I didn’t want to let go of.”

The district’s Garland School employs four other formerly retired teachers in addition to Wagner.

“Miss Wagner is one that picks up a lot more shifts, so she’s a much more regular face in the building,” explained Jennifer Rivera Gavin, the school’s assistant principal. “She’s here almost every week, and we know that we don’t have to worry about our kids.”

Experienced teachers such as Wagner give the district a special edge in meeting the needs of special education students, according to Gavin.

“MPS is a unique dynamic. We service the highest-needs populations in the state. It takes people with empathy and understanding to work with our kids, because our kids need to feel attached to you, and that you care.”