School leaders across central Illinois have for several years running faced a major challenge in finding teachers to fill vacancies and the situation, according to some, is as dire as its ever been.

Fred Lamkey is the Superintendent of Mt. Pulaski Schools and says applicants are at a premium for just the basic courses at all levels.

Lamkey speculates the prospect of being a teacher is becoming less and less appealing because of the experiences of current teachers and those that may be interested in education are finding it less appealing.

For Lamkey, bucking the teacher shortage takes teachers in our communities to sell education to their students. He believes it is a noble profession where individuals can make a great difference in the lives of kids.

Another sticking point for Lamkey is teacher salaries need to be more competitive. He says teacher salaries are much better than they were five years ago but there's still work to be done there.