Navigating Your First School-Based Occupational Therarpist (OT) Role

Across the country, school systems are facing an unprecedented staffing challenge. From special education teachers to school nurses and therapists, vacancies are increasing at a time when student needs are more complex than ever. Districts are doing everything they can—posting jobs, attending career fairs, and increasing pay—but it’s not enough.

That’s where partners like GHR Education come in. With deep experience in both education and healthcare staffing, we connect districts with qualified professionals who can step in quickly and make a lasting impact. The result: less burnout, greater consistency, and better student outcomes.

The State of School Staffing Shortages

According to the U.S. Department of Education, more than 45% of public schools reported at least one teaching vacancy at the start of the 2023–2024 academic year. Among the hardest-to-fill positions are special education, mental health, and healthcare roles—areas where demand continues to rise.

Role Type	Vacancy Trend	Impact on Students
Special Education Teachers	More than 50% of U.S. districts report difficulty finding qualified candidates for SPED classrooms.	Larger caseloads and reduced individualized instruction for students with disabilities.
School Nurses	Many districts still operate with one nurse covering multiple schools.	Limited ability to respond to health emergencies or chronic conditions during the school day.
Speech-Language Pathologists & Therapists	National shortages projected to continue through 2035, especially in rural districts.	Delays in mandated IEP services and reduced therapy frequency.

Why Traditional Hiring Falls Short

District HR departments are stretched thin. Many handle hundreds of teacher and staff applications each year while also managing compliance, onboarding, and payroll. Healthcare and therapy roles require additional steps—licensure verification, background checks, and specialized credentialing—that can take weeks to process.

Hiring Challenge	Typical Result
Limited Candidate Pipeline	Districts compete for the same small group of qualified professionals, extending time-to-fill.
Credentialing Delays	Manual verification and paperwork slow onboarding, delaying student support services.
Budget & Time Constraints	Vacancies remain unfilled across grading periods, increasing workload for existing staff.

How GHR Education Supports School Systems

GHR Education provides specialized staffing services for schools and districts of all sizes. From nurses and therapists to school psychologists and counselors, our candidates are experienced, fully vetted, and ready to make a difference from day one.

Service Area	What We Provide
Recruitment & Placement	Access to a nationwide network of qualified educators and clinicians to fill vacancies quickly and efficiently.
Credentialing & Compliance	Verification of licenses, certifications, and clearances to ensure all professionals meet district and state requirements.
Ongoing Support	Dedicated account managers and recruiters who stay engaged throughout each placement to ensure success for both staff and school.

The Benefits of a Staffing Partnership

Partnering with a trusted staffing agency allows school systems to operate more strategically, focus on instruction, and maintain consistency across classrooms and clinical programs.

Benefit	Description
Faster Hiring Timelines	Streamlined recruiting, screening, and onboarding processes accelerate time-to-fill critical vacancies.
Reduced Administrative Load	Outsourcing time-consuming hiring tasks lets HR teams focus on retention and professional development.
Higher Retention Rates	Because candidates are matched based on skills and school culture, turnover decreases and staff satisfaction increases.

Real-World Impact

GHR Education has helped hundreds of schools across the U.S. overcome staffing shortages, improve student outcomes, and restore stability to their classrooms.

Partner with GHR Education

Staffing challenges don’t have to disrupt learning. With GHR Education, districts gain access to qualified, credentialed professionals who can provide immediate and lasting support where it’s needed most.

Learn more about GHR Education’s school staffing solutions and discover how we can help your district build a stronger, more sustainable workforce.