School districts across the U.S. are on the verge of experiencing a staffing shortage that is now made worse due to COVID-19, financial difficulties and an ongoing inability to retain teachers.
- According to a National Education Association study published earlier this year, 55% of teachers intended to leave their jobs earlier than expected as a result of the pandemic.
- Several states are experimenting with solutions like raising teacher wages or recruiting more instructors from outside formal training programs to address the shortfall.
- Other districts are establishing residency programs, which authorizes aspiring teachers to gain experience on the job while obtaining a degree in education from a nearby university.
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