According to new research conducted by the Learning Policy Institute (LPI), the nation is staring at a serious teacher deficit that is only going to get worse unless steps are taken now to address it. The analysis, “A Coming Crisis in Teaching? Teacher Supply, Demand and Shortages in the U.S.,” is part of a package of research reports and briefs that provide the most comprehensive look to date at the causes and consequences of teacher shortages and offer evidence-based policy recommendations to develop a strong and stable teaching workforce.
The LPI analysis points to two chief causes of growing teacher shortages: a dramatic decline in the number of people enrolling in teacher preparation programs, as well as high turnover rates for teachers leaving the profession before retirement age. “The teaching profession continues to be a leaky bucket, losing more than 200,000 teachers each year,” said Linda Darling-Hammond, president and CEO of LPI. “And the gross numbers mask what already has become a critical shortfall in qualified teachers assigned to low-income and high-minority schools.”
The LPI research also provides the basis for a new interactive map that includes numeric ratings of each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia on factors that influence teacher supply, demand, and educational equity, such as compensation and working conditions. “Our hope is that the research and related tools spark a national conversation focused on developing and supporting the quality teaching workforce that is critical to ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all students,” says Darling-Hammond.
For the full report, see:
