Hawaii school year begins with hundreds of teacher vacancies

HONOLULU (AP) — The Hawaii Department of Education has yet to fill hundreds of teaching positions across the state as school has started for more than 180,000 students.

In response to the shortage, the department increased its recruitment efforts by sending teams to meet with potential applicants in mainland cities between March and July, including Chicago, Portland, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Teacher advocates maintain the department has struggled with hiring qualified teachers because of low salaries.