The challenge of recruiting math and science teachers is expected to increase in Kansas as more of them approach retirement and demand for the courses they teach rises.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that job growth is strong in the so-called STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math. That’s led to an enrollment surge.

The head of the University of Kansas’ Center for STEM Learning and a colleague analyzed six years of data on the state’s middle- and high-school math and science teachers. They found that nearly 20 percent will become eligible to retire in three more years.

Experts say there aren’t enough new teachers being recruited to take their place. As of Aug. 1, Kansas’ secondary schools were still seeking at least 36 math and science teachers.