Plain English with Derek Thompson America’s National Teacher Shortage: Looming Crisis or Media Myth?
Sep 6, 2022
Heather Schwartz, a senior policy researcher at the Rand Corporation specializing in K-12 education, challenges the alarmist narrative surrounding America's teacher shortage. She argues that while teacher morale is declining, the supposed nationwide crisis is exaggerated. Schwartz discusses the disparities in teacher needs across states and the complexities of hiring qualified educators. Surprisingly, she highlights declining student enrollment as a more pressing concern, driven by demographic changes rather than a lack of teachers.
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Teacher Shortage Narrative Overblown
- The narrative of a "catastrophic national teacher shortage" is overblown.
- Shortages vary significantly by district and state, making it a complex issue.
Shortage Geography and Specialities
- Teacher shortages are not uniform; they vary by location and subject.
- Florida and Arizona face extreme shortages, while special education, math, and substitute teachers are consistently in demand.
Chronic Issues vs. Pandemic Impact
- Chronic teacher shortage issues, like difficulty hiring for certain subjects, are being portrayed as new problems.
- The pandemic exacerbated these issues, particularly the substitute teacher shortage, and significantly impacted teacher morale.