The Newark School District is combating a teacher shortage with 600 new hires.

Shortages have been an ongoing problem in New Jersey, and across the country, but the Newark Board of Education says their district-wide initiatives helped attract new teachers. 

Partnerships with colleges also helped staff positions such as bilingual, ESL and special education educators -- the toughest to staff.

The school district even encourages students who've recently graduated to return as teachers with a dual enrollment program at Montclair State University.

Newark is one of the highest-paying districts in the state.