Polk County Schools struggling to fill 162 teaching positions before school starts Several teachers in Polk County rethink their work and last updated 2021-08-02 17:43:11-04 POLK COUNTY, Fla. â One of Floridaâs largest school districts is struggling to fill teaching positions as students head back to school next week. âItâs very concerning the number of teachers that are quitting, the number of teachers looking for other jobs,â said Octavio Hernandez. Octavio Hernandez teaches algebra at Citrus Ridge Academy. He said the pandemic has led some educators to rethink their work. âTeachers are seeing so many mental issues with students as well, that it has become overwhelming. I myself have had over six students that have been Baker Acted,â Hernandez said.