By Mikole Mayo, MaE., Texas Educator

According to the U.S. Gallup polls, ratings of honesty and ethical standards, grade schoolteachers ranked third as the most trusted. Even schools across the country still struggle to keep qualified educators in the classroom. According to research, the entire country is experiencing a teacher shortage.

If we expect to continue competing internationally, school districts, government officials, and other leaders must examine this significant concern – and take it seriously. Afterward, America must create conditions to keep well-trained educators in the academic field.

Is There a Teacher Shortage?

According to data released by the U.S. Department of Education, the teacher shortage affected every state and has rapidly declined since the 2017-2018 school year. Five primary subjects are critically affected:

1. Math

2. Special education

3. Science

4. Foreign language

5. English as a second language

How Did American’s Teacher Shortage Start

There are many reasons behind the current teacher deficit; a few of them include:

• Retirement of the baby-boom generation

• Declining interest in an education career among students

• High rates of teacher turnover

• Lack of support in indigenous schools

• Anxiety and crisis created by the COVID pandemic

Teaching Shortage Solutions

There are three significant concerns teachers chime in about across the country:

1. Compensation

• In addition to the need to be celebrated, educators want financial gain as a top priority. Compensation is a primary incentive needed to gain retention and maintain staff. Compensating educators appropriately cannot be ignored if the problem is solved. In addition to increased wages, school districts can use incentives like childcare, student loan reimbursement, quality healthcare plans, and other incentive-based initiatives that make educators feel appreciated.

2. Work Environment

Work environment is not just about the physical building. Autonomy is key. Based on surveys, complaints, and media reports, many educators feel they have little influence on what happens during the school’s decision-making processes. Examples of autonomy include:

• Creating discipline policies
• Input on how to spend resources
• Evaluating decisions related to measuring performance

• 3. Support

When navigating challenges like student discipline, school board politics, parent relationships, and more, educators need support. Support also means providing teachers with the necessary professional development and training. One solution to this problem that has proven helpful in many districts is a mentorship program. Providing awareness about online degrees, other resources, and opportunities can also create the support educators seek.

• Become A Part of the Solution
• Schools become far more attractive places of employment when leaders eliminate barriers that prevent the growth of potential and current classroom teachers.
• The short article is only the beginning steps needed to combat the current teacher shortage.

Ultimately, if you’re not a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem. Leaders, school districts, and government officials must first employ these solutions to make schools attractive to qualified educators.