October 13, 2022
Pennsylvania Teacher Staffing Challenges
Executive Summary
There is a strong research consensus that teachers are the most important school factor in improving student outcomes (Nguyen, et al., 2019). An ample supply of well-prepared teachers and relatively low teacher turnover are key issues related to the overall quality of a state’s teacher workforce. This study examines the degree to which the supply and retention of teachers is adequate for the Commonwealth to ensure every child has access to well-qualified teachers.
Historically, Pennsylvania has been known as an exporter of teachers and has rarely been mentioned as a state experiencing teacher labor market challenges in areas other than mathematics, selected science courses, ELL instruction, and special education.
Recent news stories and evidence, however, report that many districts are facing challenges in fully staffing schools with any teachers, much less well-qualified teachers. These growing challenges opportunities of a growing number of students, especially students living in poverty, students of color, and students living in rural areas of the Commonwealth.
In the study attached, I examine the issues of teacher staffing challenges in Pennsylvania.