High turnover rates and lack of interest among young people in teaching, leading to over 30,000 teacher vacancies in the US. Efforts made by states to combat teacher shortages include offering bonuses and upskilling janitors. Rare tropical storm on the West Coast and its connection to climate change. Alarming increase in US credit card balances exceeding $1 trillion, with potential economic consequences.
America faces a persistent teacher shortage with over 30,000 vacancies and 160,000 positions filled by unqualified teachers due to factors like burnout, stagnant salaries, and changes in perception of the profession.
Southern California experienced a rare tropical storm named Hillary, which triggered the first tropical storm warning in the region since 1939, highlighting the combination of a tropical system, specific atmospheric conditions, and accelerated movement from Mexico to California.
Deep dives
America's Teacher Shortage
There is a persistent teacher shortage in America, with over 30,000 vacancies and more than 160,000 positions filled by teachers who lack proper qualifications. Factors contributing to the shortage include burnout, stagnant salaries, changes in the perception of the teaching profession, and an array of other challenges such as the impact of the pandemic and school shootings. Efforts to address the shortage include offering bonuses, pay raises, and exploring alternative pathways to attract and retain teachers.
Rare Tropical Storm Hits West Coast
Southern California experienced a rare tropical storm, Hillary, that made landfall in Mexico before heading north. This created the first tropical storm warning in Southern California since 1939. The storm's rarity was a result of a combination of a tropical system, specific atmospheric conditions, and an accelerated movement from Mexico to California. Additionally, an earthquake coincided with the storm, although the connection between heavy rainfall and earthquakes remains inconclusive.
Rising Credit Card Delinquencies
Credit card balances in the US surpassed $1 trillion for the first time, with an increase of $45 billion in the second quarter of 2023. However, more Americans are falling behind on credit card payments, with the rate of new credit card delinquencies rising to 7.2%. Factors contributing to this trend include higher prices for goods and services, increased reliance on credit cards, and rising interest rates. The impact of rising delinquency rates on the overall economy will be closely monitored, especially as Americans resume paying student loans.
The school year is once again beginning without enough teachers. Turnover rates are high and fewer young people want to go into the profession.
The big picture: According to research from the Kansas State University's College of Education, there are more than 30,000 teacher vacancies in the US, and more than 160,000 jobs that are filled by teachers who aren't qualified. Axios' Erica Pandey shares what states and districts are doing to try to solve this persistent problem.
Credits: Axios Today was produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.