School districts across the country are having an easier time finding and keeping qualified teachers at the very time that shortages were expected to grow more severe. According to recent news reports, many teacher recruitment forums have been packed, which observers attribute to the downturn in the economy (which makes stable teaching jobs more attractive), a desire for meaningful work after September 11, and higher starting salaries in many districts. A new emphasis on recruiting and retention also seems to be paying off. Shortfalls continue of teachers for special ed, math, and science, and in inner cities and rural areas. "Quality Counts 2003," released by Education Week this week (and reviewed in next week's Gadfly) takes a close look at efforts across the 50 states to find qualified teachers, particularly in high-poverty areas.
"NY teacher shortfall no longer exists," Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, January 3, 2003
"Big teacher gap now filling in," by Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, December 25, 2002
"Quality Counts 2003," Education Week, January 9, 2003