International teachers helping teacher shortage [Video]

SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (13 News) – Teacher shortages are affecting school districts across the country, and Arizona is no exception — especially in some of our southernmost communities.

“We were able to fill 17 positions that we did not have staff for,” said Dr. Eric Holmes, superintendent of Sierra Vista Unified School District. SVUSD is one of the few school district in Cochise County to bring in international teachers to fill their vacancies.

Holmes explained that the program is made possible through the J-1 visa, which allows teachers to come to the United States for three years.

Janica Ella Hontanar came from the Philippines to teach chemistry at Buena High School — she explained that the program is benefitting her just as much as she is benefitting it.

“I wanted to grow professionally,” Hontanar said. “I’ve heard that the United States always does professional development within the week, and I …