Teacher Shortage
Everyone has felt the sting with the teacher shortages in the last few years. We all know someone who has left their position in education, AND, we can’t blame them! Teaching was once viewed as an honorable profession of great intelligence and authority. My, how times have changed.
According to an article published in 2023 by Cheryl J. Craig et al. entitled, Teacher Shortages: What Are We Short of? - the overall conclusion as to why teachers are giving up is: “We are short on good definitions and data to help us contextualize our situation. We are short on a long vision for reform that reflects upon missed opportunities to improve the teaching profession and historical missteps that banished entire swaths of humanity from participation in the workforce. We are short on conditions for teachers that signal to them that they are respected and cared for not only in the public workspace but also in their private lives. And while there is no shortage of rhetoric to address teacher shortages, we are mostly short on the will to enact widespread and sustainable change. Lack of educational reform, lack of respect, lack of listening and support. Do you agree?
Similarly, the Washington Post also printed an article in 2023 stating, “More than 36,500 vacancies in 37 states and D.C. for the 2021-2022 school year.” These numbers are serious and growing. But, there HAS to be more to this than lackluster curriculums and feeling disrespected in the workplace, right?
Yes! So much more. Let’s break it down:
SALARIES - By far, the biggest and most obvious factor for the vacancies. Teacher salaries haven’t moved much in decades. A high percentage of teachers have Master’s degrees and barely scrape $50k annually. That's according to a new report from the National Education Association, that shows Florida ranking 48th in the nation for average teacher pay. Adjusted for inflation, teachers are making $3,600 less than they did a decade ago.
UNPAID HOURS - Lesson plans? Grading? When your “planning time” is siphoned off daily for meetings, etc. there is NO TIME. Yet, it is a requirement. So when does it get done? Sunday evenings, of course.
BENEFITS - Can’t speak for every state or county, but Open Enrollment season always leaves us shaking our heads. Emergency Room visits leave us questioning what constitutes an actual emergency when hundreds of dollars have to be paid upfront. Not to mention, a copay for seeing a specialist is more than my phone bill.
SUPPORT - This is multifaceted. All around support for teachers/educators has practically vanished. There’s not enough physical support in the classroom or across the campus. Lack of working equipment for classrooms and students puts a bind on the flow of the day. Also, support for behavior issues with students and constant concerns with parents need to be addressed.
MATERNITY LEAVE - 6 or 8 weeks, unpaid leave. Enough said.
Every job has its downsides, yet the ones in education are multiplying. It seems that every educator, even the ones who are happy with their school and team are experiencing burnout or considering a career change. The mass exodus of the educational sector has definitely been turning heads, and it’s about time there is a spotlight on the downfalls of our education system.
Since FUELS’ mission is educator support, we’d like to know - how is the rising teacher shortage affecting you? Furthermore, how can educators be better supported in these grueling times?
Sources:
Teacher shortages have gotten worse. Here’s how schools are coping. - The Washington Post
Report: Florida ranks 48th in nation in teacher pay - CBS Miami (cbsnews.com)