Chicago looks abroad for qualified teachers

Palestinian Yousef Hannon teaches Chicago students, who were without a qualified math instructor for 4 months

April 13, 2000
Web posted at: 10:48 p.m. EDT (0248 GMT)

CHICAGO (CNN) -- Yousef Hannon has found himself part of an equation being used to solve a puzzle faced by the Chicago Public School District: finding enough qualified teachers in subjects such as math, science and languages.

A Palestinian from the West Bank, Hannon is teaching a class that has been without a qualified math instructor for four months, according to Gage Park High School Principal Katherine Smith.

"Mostly, I am happy because I am doing the thing that ... I love," Hannon said. "This is the thing I love, I love math. I love physics."

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With a booming economy draining off so many candidates, Chicago is looking abroad for qualified teachers. In addition to the Middle East, the district has found teachers from Romania, Nigeria and France.

"We must look beyond our traditional suppliers if we want to keep up with demand," said Chicago Public School Board President Gery Chico.

Chico received federal government approval to grant visas to bring top-notch teachers from around the world to Chicago.

The visas are similar to those granted for high-tech companies to bring in scientists and engineers.

The recruits are required to stay in the United States and teach for six years. In exchange, the school system will sponsor them for permanent resident status.

Of the 1,600 applicants from 87 countries for teaching positions, 500 have master's degrees and 99 have doctorates.

Chico: 'We must look beyond our traditional suppliers if we want to keep up with demand'

The recruits say they are eager to teach Americans.

"I would like to help in raising their standards and making education their priority." said Nigerian teacher Florence Onubogu.

Hannon is the first to hit his classroom every day. He is as grateful for the opportunity as Chicago is for his talents. But he says he has faced challenges teaching in the United States.

"One of my problems here is my language because, after all, I am not an American," Hannon said.

Chicago students, however, do not see any language barriers. The students say they like having good teachers.

"I am more comfortable because I am foreign as well as he is," said student Katija Mohammed-Ali.

Chicago Bureau Chief Jeff Flock contributed to this report.

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City of Chicago
Chicago Public Schools
IHSA: Gage Park High School

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