Rachael Grobman became a teacher because of her dedication to helping children reach their highest potential. 

While she currently teaches at an independent school on City Avenue, she wants to teach within the School District of Philadelphia; but challenges persist, writes Julia Merola for Billy Penn at WHYY. 

Grobman has applied several times to various district schools, but has struggled even to get an interview. 

She admits that it has led to frustration, concern, and doubt on her part.

“You kind of wonder, ‘Why? … You start to question yourself,” she said. 

There is a nationwide teacher storage, and the School District of Philadelphia is no different with a roster of 9,000 full-time teachers and 1,600 substitute teachers.

The District has a plan to address its teacher shortage.

“We will be implementing a streamlined onboarding process to improve hiring timelines so we can be fully staffed and able to provide students with a quality education,” said Marissa Orbanek, spokesperson for the District.

Grobman is hopeful to eventually get her shot.

While Grobman has aspirations of working at a public school, she isn’t allowing that to interfere with what’s in front of her at the current school she teaches.

Learn more about Rachael Grobman’s dedication and approach to teaching in Billy Penn at WHYY.

_____