HENRIETTA, N.Y. — Our local schools have jobs they can’t fill. More older Americans feel isolated and lonely and more students feel it too. So Chief Investigative Reporter Berkeley Brean got into the library at Rush-Henrietta where they’re trying to solve all three.
An open house was held inside Winslow Elementary School where people showed up interested in doing something, giving back and meeting people. The school is interested in filling hard-to-fill jobs. This open house was different because it was specifically for people who are older and retired. More than a dozen signed up.
It was the idea of Paul Ryan, who is a substitute teacher at Rush-Henrietta.
Berkeley Brean, News10NBC: “So this year you turn what?”Paul Ryan, substitute teacher at RH: “On December 30th, I’ll be 80.”Berkeley Brean: “And still at it.”Paul Ryan: “Loving it.”
Ryan is concerned about the isolation and loneliness for his peers.
“There’s a term – elder orphan,” Ryan said as he spoke to the people at the open house.
AARP says 6 out of 10 older Americans feel lonely. A study by the Journal of American Medical Association found 30% said they were isolated.
“It’s important not only for the young to realize that older people aren’t worthless. They’re grandma and grandpa,” Ryan said.
Barbara Mullen is the R-H superintendent. They’re getting seniors out of the house. They’re dealing with isolation with students. The Monroe County bi-annual risk behavior report says 1 in 5 feel sad and hopeless.
Berkeley Brean: “And you are trying to fill positions that are really hard to fill right now.”Dr. Barbara Mullen, Superintendent Rush-Henrietta CSD: “Yes! They’re really tough to fill specifically because some of them are not full-time equivalents.”
On it’s jop openings website, Rush-Henrietta has two part time day care spots, seven substitute teachers spots and seven support staff openings.
“And it’s hard to fill some of those hourly spots that could use someone with more flexibility,” Dr. Mullen said.
“A lot of our friends have moved to Florida. COVID didn’t help,” said Pamela Flynn, who attended the open house. “COVID didn’t help. We became very insular during the time and I feel like I need more social and my husband can’t be my primary although I love him. I feel like I need more youthful people around.”
Flynn, an alum of Rush-Henrietta, came to the open house. So did Teri Backus who retired from working on schools.
“My grandkids are getting older and don’t need me like they used to so I thought maybe the schools would welcome me back,” said Teri Backus, who also attended the open house.
There’s money involved here. For instance, for Paul Ryan, 7 hours of substitute teaching is $140 that day. The money can adjust for how long you’re there and what kind of job you have.
You do not need to be a certified teacher to sign up. If you are interested, contact the Rush-Henrietta Central School District and its job opening webpage.
AI assisted with the formatting of this story. Click here to see how WHEC News 10 uses AI
Rush-Henrietta schools tackle loneliness and job vacancies by inviting retirees to work WHEC.com.
Hence then, the article about rush henrietta schools tackle loneliness and job vacancies by inviting retirees to work was published today ( ) and is available on News10NBC ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Rush-Henrietta schools tackle loneliness and job vacancies by inviting retirees to work )
Also on site :