More Minnesota school teachers are turning to the leave of absence. A survey by the state's school boards shows a 27 percent increase in two years. The school boards think bigger class sizes and additional scrutiny are behind an increase in teacher mental health leaves.

Job vacancies were up nearly 50 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, compared with the same period a year earlier. Employers reported nearly 50,000 job openings, according to the latest figures from the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

The odds of finding a job in Minnesota are getting better, the Pioneer Press reports. Job postings climbed 15 percent in the second quarter compared with the same period a year ago, the state reported on Thursday. Employers reported nearly 63,000 openings, up from 54,700 last year.

The number of taconite jobs in 2011 was up nearly 11 percent compared to the year before, according to figures by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Wages in 2011 were also the highest since 2000 -- totaling $357 million. The Iron Range took a major hit during the recession in 2009 when all six of Minnesota's taconite plants temporarily shut down.

Output at the half-dozen taconite plants in the state is up more than ten percent compared to a year ago. And the forecast for next year suggests production could be the highest in more than a decade.