The SmartClass Blog

Cost-effective digital teaching platform for school staffing shortages

Written by Hannah Haase | December 19, 2023 4:35:22 PM Z

Budget constraints, unforeseen events, and a competitive job market have contributed to staffing gaps in many educational institutions. It is especially hard to find qualified staff to take over long- and short-term substitute positions for World Languages and ESL. However, the development of digital curricula and platforms opens up new possibilities for schools to address these shortages without breaking the bank. Find out how the SmartClass digital teaching platform can serve as a cost-effective solution to fill staffing gaps in schools. 

Flexible learning model

The SmartClass digital teaching platform offers flexibility in terms of learning models, enabling schools to adapt to varying staffing situations. Our platform provides direct access to high-quality educational content, allowing teachers to prepare for their absences in advance or from home. It also allows the substitute to assign activities for students to work on as the activities are not stand-alone, but follow a well-mapped curriculum and are already integrated in the correct order within the platform. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in situations where there might be a shortage of teachers who speak the target language in World Language classrooms. Schools can leverage SmartClass Curricula to ensure that students continue to receive quality education even in the absence of a permanent staff member.

Remote teaching opportunities

One of the key advantages of the SmartClass Teaching Platform is the ability for teachers to assign activities from anywhere. Schools can tap into a pool of qualified teachers from around the world who can deliver lessons through virtual classrooms. Using any video conferencing tool they are already subscribed to, teachers can teach their regular lessons and assign activities through the SmartClass platform. There is no need to upload papers, collect worksheets, or have someone else print materials for students since all activities and resources are already housed within the platform. Teachers grade, review, and prepare activities and tests from wherever they are located, while students get immediate feedback on auto-graded activities and individual feedback as soon as their teacher submits it. This not only helps in filling immediate staffing gaps but also brings diverse perspectives into the learning environment. 

Customizable content
The SmartClass Teaching Platform comes with customizable content creation tools. 20 different activity templates are available for teachers to create interactive and engaging activities for their students. Schools can develop and tailor educational materials according to their specific curriculum and requirements or use the available curricula as their full or supplemental material. This empowers existing staff or temporary educators to deliver lessons that align with the school's goals and standards. Customizable content ensures that students receive a consistent and high-quality education, even in the absence of a full-time teacher.
 

The flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of the SmartClass Teaching Platform and Curricula make it an indispensable tool for schools looking to bridge staffing gaps without compromising the quality of education. By leveraging digital solutions, educational institutions can create resilient systems that adapt to the ever-changing landscape of staffing challenges. And even if you don't have staff shortages, or find the staff needed soon - SmartClass is an effective way to build staff loyalty. Show the existing staff that you give them the tools to succeed in their mission.