UNION, COUNTY, N.C. — After a calendar year of teaching in a pandemic, you might think North Carolina will need more teachers than ever to return the profession.

However, the number this year is about average, and even less than previous years. But according to preliminary estimates, the state will still be in need of more than 7,000 educators.

In Union County, public schools will be in need of 34 teachers.

The county is hoping the new recruits look something like Kimberly Robinson.

Robinson, a second year, senior English teacher at Monroe High School, says running a classroom is like running a restaurant.

"When I worked in the restaurant business, I figured there was not much difference between handling a bunch of people that you’re serving food and drinks to, and handling 20 kids in a classroom,” Robinson says with a laugh.

The former waitress, bartender, and manager went from serving customers to serving students two years ago.

Robinson says in previous jobs, she did everything there was to do in restaurants, besides own one.

"I thought a lot about, had I made a difference in the world? And so, once I got my bachelor’s in English, it didn’t take me very long to figure out I really wanted to be in the classroom,” Robinson explains.

Her journey of self discovery came after she was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer.

Deciding to make a life change and not let cancer win, she went back to school, getting her master’s degree and teacher’s license at UNC Wilmington.

"I’ve always been told if you love what you do, you will never work one day in your life. The first couple of weeks I was teaching, people would say, ‘Ms. Robinson it’s time to go to lunch!’ And I’d look at my watch and I’d be like, ‘No we just got here,” she adds with a smile.

Robinson’s story is unique, but county and state leaders hope the passion ignites in others.

Union County espeically needs math and science teachers, and exceptional children instructors.

The competition will be fierce, as the state expects to have more than 7,000 positions open for next year, according to NC. DPI.

During the pandemic, N.C. DPI says there was about a 5% increase in staff attrition, resulting in roughly 7,700 vacancies. However, the increase from years prior does not take into account short-term disability and leaves of absence, which could have been elevated due to COVID-19. In fact, 7,700 vacancies is nearly on average for the state. The last three years, North Carolina ended the school year with around 7,300 openings. The reasons for the turnover vary from family obligations, to career changes, retirement, and others.

Historically, the most openings are in elementary core subjects like math, science, and English.

A year into the pandemic, Robinson is encouraging friends and strangers who are curious or interested in teaching to jump in.

As a cancer survivor, Robinson says doctors advised against returning to the classroom this spring, but like her students, she says she was tired of teaching through a screen

"Especially for me, I teach seniors, this is a tough way to have a senior year. And so, to realize that and maybe make those connections with them? It really made a difference,” Robinson says.

And she says the rewards made it worth changing careers.

"I have a student say, ‘Hey Ms. Robinson you really made a difference in my life', or, 'Thank you so much'. They’re so greatful, my students, they’re so full of gratitude,” Robinson says.

Union County is hosting virtual recruiting sessions for its open positions this month and in April.

You can sign up to ask questions and learn about requirements through the Union County Public Schools’ website.