Teachers & Leaders

Guaranteeing Every Child Receives Academic Support to Learn, Succeed and Achieve Their Full Potential

Teacher shortages are a perennial problem. Despite decades of robust discussion and research, the problem of teacher shortages has become more pronounced—and better publicized—since the COVID-19 pandemic. To understand the complexity of shortages, both recruitment and retention must be addressed.

Rather than supporting teachers and expanding opportunities for other talented individuals to enter the profession, existing policies in many states make it more difficult for schools to recruit, retain and develop a diverse pool of talented and content-rich teachers. This may be due to a lack of financial incentives, inflexible teacher certification policies, outdated teacher preparation programs and/or ineffective professional development opportunities.

How Can States Support Teacher Pipelines and Retention?

Meet the Experts

Teacher Pipeline and Retention Model Policies

EDUCATOR SUPPLY AND DEMAND DASHBOARD ACT

This Act establishes a statewide Educator Supply and Demand Data Dashboard (“the Dashboard”) that provides the state, school districts, educator preparation providers, and other stakeholders clear and timely access to data related to educator shortages and retention that can inform policy, programmatic, and hiring decisions.

CHARTERED TEACHERS ACT

The purpose of the Chartered Teacher Act is to provide teachers an alternative to working in traditional schools and districts but retain them in the profession of teaching.

RECIPROCAL TEACHER LICENSURE

Reciprocal teacher licensure allows teachers who are qualified to teach in one state to teach in another state without facing unnecessary barriers to entry, such as re-taking courses or exams. Reciprocity allows teachers to easily move from one state to another and to teach virtually, across state lines. Strong reciprocal licensure policies can strengthen teaching pipelines and retain qualified teachers in the profession.

ADJUNCT TEACHER ACT

The purpose of the Adjunct Teacher Act is to support districts in addressing teacher shortages and diversifying course offerings by allowing them to hire uncertified but otherwise qualified subject-matter experts. Adjunct teachers are professionals who hold bachelor’s degrees and have expertise in any subject area offered in a district.

ADVANCED TEACHING INCENTIVE PROGRAM

The Advanced Teaching Incentive (ATI) program creates advanced licensure designations for experienced teachers who demonstrate subject-area competence and a positive impact on student outcomes.

TEACHER APPRENTICESHIP ACT

The state sponsored Teacher Apprenticeship Act will provide a new pathway to enter the teaching profession. Through partnerships with approved educator preparation programs, school districts will have new tools to recruit prospective teachers as early as high school and provide them with on the-job training and mentorship as they complete a bachelor’s degree and/or a state-approved teacher licensure program.