believe the cost of living and pay for teachers are the biggest bar to obtaining sufficient teachers, no matter where from, mainland or local.  educational assistants do serve a purpose but because of their less rigorous educational requirements, they are paid less.  small pay and hard work will always discourage people to continue work.  because of the high cost of living, the only way to keep teaches from leaving is higher pay.  and whether the state can afford it is another question.  hence educational may help but it not the panacea to teacher shortages.