Growing Shortage

As of 1998, nearly half of the nation’s teachers were over the age of 45, which means, according to some experts, approximately two million new teachers will be needed in the coming decade. The growing teacher shortage is a real problem facing our education system, and it is imperative that lawmakers and officials take measures to attract more bright, motivated people to the teaching profession. In the meantime, if you are considering becoming a teacher, keep in mind that not only will you be embarking on a personally rewarding career; you’ll also be doing society a big favor.

Problems with teacher retention also contribute to the growing teacher shortage. According to a 2003 CNN report, approximately one third of new teachers quit during their first three years on the job, and almost half leave the profession within their first five years. Retention rates are worst in schools with high concentrations of minority and/or under-privileged students. While these statistics certainly suggest a need for systemic reform and may seem daunting to aspiring teachers, they also speak to what a challenge it is to teach successfully and what a champion it makes you if you do indeed succeed in this endeavor.