Kern High School District Faces Teacher Shortage

District plans to hire non-certificated teachers on emergency permits to fill vacancies.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:54pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus image of a high school classroom, with blurred shapes of desks and chairs visible through a warm, hazy light, conveying a sense of the challenges facing modern education.As school districts struggle to find enough qualified teachers, the Kern High School District turns to alternative staffing solutions to keep classrooms filled.Bakersfield Today

The Kern High School District in Bakersfield, California is facing a shortage of qualified teachers and plans to hire non-certificated teachers on emergency single subject permits in certain subject areas like science and special education, according to the district's Board of Trustees meeting agenda.

Why it matters

Teacher shortages are a growing concern nationwide, with many districts struggling to find enough qualified educators, especially in high-need subject areas like science and special education. This move by the Kern High School District highlights the challenges they face in staffing their classrooms and the need to explore alternative pathways to bring in teachers.

The details

The Kern High School District is planning to request issuing limited assignment permits for 10 single-subject teachers and 15 special education teachers. These permits can only be issued to applicants holding a valid California teaching credential and will be used to fill vacancies in subjects like chemistry, biology, geoscience, and physics. The district says it has tried various recruitment efforts but still lacks enough qualified staff.

  • The Board of Trustees is set to consider adopting the 'Declaration of Need for Fully Qualified Educators' at its meeting on Tuesday, April 3, 2026 at 7 p.m.
  • If adopted, the declaration would remain in force until June 30, 2027.

The players

Kern High School District

A public school district serving high school students in Bakersfield, California.

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

The state agency that issues teaching credentials and oversees teacher preparation programs in California.

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What’s next

If the Board of Trustees approves the declaration, the Kern High School District will be able to hire non-certificated teachers on emergency permits to fill vacant positions, particularly in science and special education.

The takeaway

The teacher shortage facing the Kern High School District is part of a broader trend impacting school districts across California and the country. This move to hire non-certificated teachers on emergency permits highlights the difficult choices districts must make to staff their classrooms, underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of teacher shortages.