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Q&A

Tackling teacher shortages requires multifaceted approach

BY VICKY SANTOS

Dr. Julie Gorlewski.

Julie Gorlewski, PhD

Dr. Julie Gorlewski.

School districts nationwide continue to face teacher shortages. The United States could face a shortage of more than 100,000 teachers by the mid-2020s, according to the Learning Policy Institute.

Tackling this shortage has been top of mind for Julie Gorlewski, professor of learning and instruction and senior associate dean for academic affairs and teacher education. Here she addresses the impact the shortage has on students and school districts and discusses effective strategies for addressing this national crisis.

Question.

How does a shortage of teachers affect students and school districts?

Answer.

Research shows that teachers are the most influential, in-school variable when it comes to student achievement. Students who experience effective instruction have greater opportunities for college and career success. The negative effects of shortages are multidimensional. Students suffer from reduced instructional effectiveness, and schools and districts experience a loss of pedagogical knowledge and skills, as well as professional leadership.

There also are fiscal consequences. The Learning Policy Institute estimates that teacher turnover costs school districts $20,000 to $30,000 for every teacher who leaves the district.

Question.

What are some measures to help alleviate the shortage issue?

Answer.

Addressing teacher shortages effectively requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes quality, diversity and retention within the teacher population. Research indicates that teacher residency programs, such as the one in the Graduate School of Education, can achieve these goals. As a result, we transitioned all of our teacher certification programs to culminate in an in-school residency. Grounded in a yearlong, co-teaching experience with expert mentor teachers, teacher residencies involve collaborative partnerships with school districts so that specific certification needs can be targeted. 

Question.

What factors affect or influence a teacher shortage?

Answer.

Shortages are influenced by both recruitment and retention. Factors related to recruitment include geographic location, subject area and grade level. Teacher shortages are more likely to affect high-need schools, and are more dire in subjects such as science, mathematics and world languages. Additional considerations related to teacher retention include working conditions, compensation and benefits.

Question.

How severe is the national teacher shortage, and what can be done about it?

Answer.

Teacher shortages are complicated because schools serve multiple purposes in society. Shortages exacerbate inequities and reveal how we envision the purposes of school. We are convinced that teaching residencies have the capacity to address the nationwide shortage and meet the needs of students. However, the increased demands of residency require policy support and dedicated resources, so public advocacy and support are crucial.

Question.

How does a shortage of teachers affect students and school districts?

Answer.

Research shows that teachers are the most influential, in-school variable when it comes to student achievement. Students who experience effective instruction have greater opportunities for college and career success. The negative effects of shortages are multidimensional. Students suffer from reduced instructional effectiveness, and schools and districts experience a loss of pedagogical knowledge and skills, as well as professional leadership.

There also are fiscal consequences. The Learning Policy Institute estimates that teacher turnover costs school districts $20,000 to $30,000 for every teacher who leaves the district.

Question.

What are some measures to help alleviate the shortage issue?

Answer.

Addressing teacher shortages effectively requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes quality, diversity and retention within the teacher population. Research indicates that teacher residency programs, such as the one in the Graduate School of Education, can achieve these goals. As a result, we transitioned all of our teacher certification programs to culminate in an in-school residency. Grounded in a yearlong, co-teaching experience with expert mentor teachers, teacher residencies involve collaborative partnerships with school districts so that specific certification needs can be targeted. 

Question.

What factors affect or influence a teacher shortage?

Answer.

Shortages are influenced by both recruitment and retention. Factors related to recruitment include geographic location, subject area and grade level. Teacher shortages are more likely to affect high-need schools, and are more dire in subjects such as science, mathematics and world languages. Additional considerations related to teacher retention include working conditions, compensation and benefits.

Question.

How severe is the national teacher shortage, and what can be done about it?

Answer.

Teacher shortages are complicated because schools serve multiple purposes in society. Shortages exacerbate inequities and reveal how we envision the purposes of school. We are convinced that teaching residencies have the capacity to address the nationwide shortage and meet the needs of students. However, the increased demands of residency require policy support and dedicated resources, so public advocacy and support are crucial.

Julie Gorlewski is a professor in the Department of Learning and Instruction and the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Teacher Education.