The hiring of teachers by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) continues to proceed at a record-breaking pace with nearly 1,100 teachers currently under contract - approaching the goal of 1,200 needed for the opening of school.

This constitutes the largest number of new hires for the opening of school in MCPS history. By the end of August, the final 100 teachers needed for the start of school on September 5 should be hired and assigned to schools.

Last year, the school system opened with a then-record number of 1,000 new teachers.

Hiring will continue after school begins to offset anticipated resignations and other changes, which will increase the total number of new teachers to 1,400 for the school year. Hiring in critical areas continues to be a major focus, particularly in some special education fields, computer science, mathematics, and science, among others.

The new teachers were selected from approximately 9,000 applicants, many of whom submitted their resumes online. A new resume-scanning system, part of a streamlined recruitment process that identifies exceptional candidates early, has increased significantly the capacity of the Office of Human Resources to respond quickly to qualified applicants.

The new teachers form a diverse group. Twenty-six percent of the teachers hired thus far reflect ethnic diversity: 16 percent African American, four percent Asian, four percent Hispanic, and two percent American Indian. Bilingual applicants include 176 Spanish, 66 French, 20 German, 11 Chinese, seven Korean, and five Vietnamese.

One hundred thirty-six former student teachers in MCPS are also part of the 2000-01 class of teachers. Approximately 25 percent of the new hires are graduates of the school system.

Selection of principals also has proceeded expeditiously. Twenty-eight new principals will be opening MCPS schools this fall. Of the total 110 principals and central administrators hired, 28 are outside candidates and 82 are current MCPS employees.

The ethnic diversity includes 28 African Americans, four Asians, and four Hispanics. The new administrators include 70 females and 40 males.

Additional newly-assigned administrators include 48 new assistant principals, 96 continuing assistant principals, and 38 student support specialists.