Most people would not be content with just one year of retirement. Jane Barratt, however, found herself back in the classroom this year after only one year off from a teaching career that spanned more than three decades.

Formerly a teacher at Greenwood Elementary School in American Fork, Barratt is teaching a half-day split grade class at Cascade Elementary in Orem this year.

In August, she was contacted by a number of schools concerned about teacher shortages. Schools in Utah County aren't the only ones facing the problem.

A state Special Task Force on Teacher Shortages, which included Alpine district Superintendent Vernon Henshaw, ended its study this month on how Utah can combat the critical shortage of teachers.

One of the possible solutions that came out of the group was to eliminate the provision in Utah law that prevents a school district from re-hiring a retired former employee until six months after retirement, at least for people licensed to teach in critical shortage areas. Those critical areas include math, science, technology and special education. Other recommendation of the task force included maximizing use of teachers and capital facilities, maintaining salary competitiveness, increasing scholarships and loans for students who intend to go into the teaching profession, enhancing the teacher training capacity of state colleges and universities, and providing greater flexibility in hiring and licensing.

The group suggested that the recommendations be analyzed and potentially used in pilot programs. The task force report now goes to the Utah State Board of Education, the State Board of Regents, the Governor's Office and the State Legislature.

Although Barratt decided to give up retirement and go back to teaching, she didn't want to totally walk away from her career retreat. She only wanted to commit to a half-day schedule so she could continue to enjoy some of the benefits of retirement, including traveling and visiting her two sons, both of whom live outside Utah.

Barratt's class of 23 students is split nearly evenly between fourth and fifth graders with comparable academic needs that make the combined class smooth and successful.

"(The students) just gelled with what they needed academically," she said.

Prior to her initial retirement, Barratt had taught both fourth and fifth grade classes, as well as four different split classes at different times.

At first Barratt was concerned about returning to the classroom after her year of retirement, but those concerns were quickly alleviated by the support of the Cascade Elementary community.

"This school really does have great parents," she said. "It's a great little community. They're tight-knit, but they embrace everyone."

Furthermore, when she initially retired, Barratt chose to keep material that she though might be useful, and she has indeed used all of it during this school year. She also said she is appreciative of the PTA's support and the great resources Cascade Elementary has for teachers to use.

"It was like I'd never been gone," she said. "Kids are kids no matter where you go."

When asked if she is still ready for retirement, Barratt acknowledges that she enjoys the traveling and spending more time with her family. But "there's always somebody out there who needs you," she said.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page B1.