Niles Community Schools is having no trouble finding qualified candidates to fill the district’s 20 open teaching positions.

According to John Tanke, human resources director, the district has received more than 700 applications.

Tanke said the flood of applications doesn’t surprise him, citing a sluggish economy and limited number of open teaching positions nationwide.

“There are people that have applied with eight or nine years experience that are willing to receive an interview and be hired at a one-year teacher’s salary,” Tanke said. “The economy is bad, and we are getting very good candidates from our process. I believe we are going to be hiring some very good people.”

Tanke said four or five of the 20 positions have been filled. Most of the openings are due to teacher retirements.

Tanke said potential candidates are interviewed by central office administrators, building administrators, teachers, parents, and, when appropriate, students. After the initial interview, the top candidates are called back to teach a short lesson to a group of students.

“Everybody is very involved in the process,” Tanks said.

Open positions include: Eastside elementary, Howard art, Niles High math, Cedar Lane social studies/physical education, New Tech math, New Tech English, Ring Lardner English, Ring Lardner special education, Niles High special education, Career Technical Education (CTE) culinary arts, CTE manufacturing, Ring Lardner math, Ballard special education and Oak Manor special education.