Schools here in the United States are receiving significant attention — in part because of fierce debates over curriculum and COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates.

But they have another more significant problem years in the making. A teacher shortage felt in every state. According to the National Education Association, the pandemic has exacerbated a challenge that has seen massive staff shortages in public schools – leaving teachers increasingly burnt out, with an alarming 55 percent now saying they’re ready to leave the profession they love earlier than planned.

To discuss:

• Jennifer Steele is an associate professor at American University’s School of Education.
• Peter Cunningham served as an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Education during the Obama administration. 
• Daniel Domenech is a long-time school superintendent. He currently heads the American Association of School Administrators.
• Lindsey Jensen was the Illinois Teacher of the Year in 2018, and recipient of the state’s Teacher Excellence Award from the National Education Association Foundation in 2020 — before leaving the profession the following year. 

For more: 

Schools have welcomed students back to classrooms but face a new challenge: a shortage of teachers and staff. The stress of teaching in the COVID-19 era has triggered a spike in retirements and resignations. https://t.co/eBM7Ab2YBf

— The Associated Press (@AP) September 22, 2021

New Mexico has asked National Guard soldiers to work as substitute teachers in a bid to keep schools open during an acute teacher shortage — some with no teaching experience at all, and just a few hours of training.https://t.co/40OmDQAaXr

— NPR (@NPR) February 2, 2022