American public schools are facing a teacher shortage of epic proportion. This is due to the retirement of older teachers, increasing pupil enrollment and laws limiting the size of classrooms. It is estimated we need at least 316,000 new teachers and administrators by 2025 to avoid a critical shortage. Particularly acute is the shortage of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers. Already, many school districts are short-handed and overly dependent on substitute teachers, many of whom are not certified. Compensation for teachers, particularly for public school teachers, has historically lagged behind other comparable occupations.

Some advocates say our teacher shortage is not so much a shortage in absolute numbers as it is in distribution. There has long been a shortage of qualified teachers who are willing to teach in rural and urban areas, particularly in schools which serve low-income and minority students. Others claim shortages are caused by high turnover rates, particularly among the most qualified and effective educators. Presumably, many of these professionals have moved on to higher paying jobs.

Pending Legislation: H.R.882 - American Teacher Act
Sponsor: Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL)
Status: House Committee on Education and the Workforce
Chairperson: Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC)