Updated teacher shortage data reveals the problem may only be deepening as estimated teacher vacancies nationwide jumped 51% between this year and last.
Teacher turnover, meanwhile, is projected to plateau at 12% after hitting a peak of 14% during the 2021-22 school year, according to a report from researchers at Kansas State University, University of Pittsburgh and other institutions.
These latest findings “clearly indicate” most states are facing teacher shortages “to some degree,” the updated report released this month said. Additionally the data shows “teacher turnover surged during the pandemic with more teachers leaving the profession than ever before.”
This teacher shortage research, first released in 2022, was updated to reflect the most recently available vacancy data as reported by news outlets, on state education department websites and in other documentation since 2021. The latest data shows at least 55,000 estimated vacant teaching positions compared to the over 36,000 vacancies reported a year ago.
Looking ahead, the researchers also calculated projected teacher turnover rates through the 2023-24 school year.
“Teacher turnover may either increase or decrease based on unexpected changes to the economy or education funding (i.e., ESSER fiscal cliff),” the report said, referring to concerns that the nearing spending deadline for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds may lead to districts making staff cuts.
Here are key takeaways from the updated teacher shortage report.
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