Story perspectives

Teacher Shortage Hits Allendale County Amid Visa Uncertainty

3/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Allendale County, South Carolina, faces a teacher shortage, with about a quarter of its educators from abroad.
Vallerie Cave, Superintendent of Allendale County School District, says the Trump administration's visa policy changes raise costs and uncertainty.
Many educators, from Jamaica and the Philippines, may have to return home.
Umatilla, Oregon, has faced similar retention challenges for international teachers.
Allendale County plans to hire local teachers and expand online instruction.

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Story summary

Allendale County, South Carolina, faces a teacher shortage, with about a quarter of its educators from abroad.
Vallerie Cave, Superintendent of Allendale County School District, says the Trump administration's visa policy changes raise costs and uncertainty.
Many educators, from Jamaica and the Philippines, may have to return home.
Umatilla, Oregon, has faced similar retention challenges for international teachers.
Allendale County plans to hire local teachers and expand online instruction.