Philly schools alarmed by sudden teacher no-shows

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — School officials in Philadelphia are irate about the number of teachers who are suddenly resigning or not showing up for work, just days before school starts.

More than 110 instructors quit this week alone, failing to put in the required 60 days notice; another 100 left last month. Some are taking long-term sick leave.

The district pledges to have teachers in every classroom when school begins Tuesday. Superintendent Arlene Ackerman says officials overhired for teaching positions and should be able to fill the gaps quickly.

Still, she says such behavior is “incomprehensible, and very unprofessional.”

Teachers union president Jerry Jordan says it’s not unusual for new teachers to apply to several school districts and then choose among job offers.