Viera, FL – Brevard Public Schools, one of Florida’s largest school districts, is facing significant staffing challenges as it seeks to fill 366 open positions for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The vacancies, spanning teachers, support staff, coaches, and administrators, highlight both local and national trends in education workforce shortages, particularly in critical areas like special education, math, science, and mental health support.
According to the district’s BEACON job portal, the openings include 196 instructional positions, 74 support staff roles, 67 extracurricular coaching and activity positions, and 29 administrative or professional roles. With approximately 73,000 students and 86 schools, these vacancies represent roughly 5% of the district’s estimated 7,000-strong workforce, raising concerns about the potential impact on classrooms and school operations.
The most pressing vacancies are in special education, with 53 openings for roles such as Varying Exceptionalities (VE-SLD) and Specific Learning Disabilities (SPEC LRN DIS). These positions are critical for supporting students with disabilities, and their high vacancy rate aligns with Florida’s designation of special education as a critical shortage area. Schools like Jupiter Elementary, Viera Elementary, and Titusville High are among those seeking multiple special education teachers.
STEM fields are also hit hard, with 15 mathematics and 10 science teaching positions open across middle and high schools, including Viera High and Palm Bay Magnet High. These shortages mirror national trends, as districts compete for a limited pool of qualified STEM educators.
Additionally, 13 speech/language pathologist positions and 15 school social worker and psychologist roles remain unfilled, underscoring a growing need for mental health and specialized student support services. “The demand for mental health professionals in schools has skyrocketed since the pandemic,” said Dr. Thompson, a local education consultant. “These vacancies could strain the district’s ability to address students’ emotional and academic needs.” The school district also over-ruled a principal’s hiring decision to hire former board member Jennifer Jenkins, who worked as a speech language pathologist for the district before running for office. The temporary position was to cover for another pathologist that was going on maternity leave. After the principal of the school offered Jenkins the position, the district leadership instructed that Jenkins not be hired to fill the vacancy. Leadership stated that she would be a distraction to the district.
The district is also struggling to fill 74 support staff positions, including custodians, behavior technicians, and after-school program leads. For example, Apollo Elementary and Viera High are seeking custodians at $15.85 per hour, while Manatee Elementary needs behavior technicians to support student behavior management. These roles are essential for maintaining safe and functional school environments, and shortages could place additional pressure on existing staff.
Meanwhile, 67 extracurricular positions, primarily coaching roles, are open, including football, basketball, and cheerleading sponsors at schools like Rockledge High and Space Coast Junior/Senior High. These part-time roles, which require candidates to be at least 21, are vital for student engagement but often attract fewer applicants due to their stipend-based pay.
Brevard Public Schools is actively recruiting, with most application deadlines set for April 30, 2025, though some extend to June 2025 or remain “Until Filled.” The district is leveraging its BEACON portal and offering job-sharing options to attract candidates. “We’re casting a wide net to ensure we have the best educators and staff for our students,” said a district spokesperson. Veterans’ preference and accommodations for applicants with disabilities under the ADA are also emphasized.
However, the district faces stiff competition. Florida reported over 4,000 teacher vacancies statewide this school year, and Brevard’s 196 instructional openings account for nearly 5% of that total. Nationally, teacher turnover rates have climbed to 15-20% in some regions, driven by burnout, low pay (Florida ranks 48th in teacher salaries), and challenging working conditions.
Local parents and educators are worried about the potential impact of these vacancies. “If we don’t fill these special education and math positions, class sizes could grow, or we’ll rely on substitutes who may not be fully certified,” said Maria Lopez, a parent at Endeavour Elementary, which has 14 open positions. “That’s not fair to our kids.”
Experts point to broader systemic issues. “The teacher shortage is a perfect storm of low pay, increased expectations, and public scrutiny of education,” said Dr. Thompson. “Districts like Brevard need competitive salaries and support systems to retain and attract talent.”
Brevard Public Schools is banking on state initiatives, such as signing bonuses for critical shortage areas and alternative certification pathways, to bolster recruitment. The district’s early posting of these positions—most for the 2025-26 school year—suggests a proactive approach, but the success of these efforts remains uncertain.
Community members are encouraged to explore opportunities at https://www.brevardschools.org/Page/13362 or contact Human Resources at (321) 633-1000 ext. 11225. As the application deadlines approach, all eyes are on Brevard to see if it can fill these critical roles and maintain its commitment to quality education.
For more information, visit the BEACON portal at https://iss.brevard.k12.fl.us/JOBLST.pgm.
