LPI In the News

Statesman Journal Online by Natalie Pate | Though Oregon's graduation rates are among the lowest in the country and the state is among the lowest in school funding, new research rates Oregon as the most attractive state for teachers, states an article summarizing the Learning Policy Institute report on the nationwide teacher shortage. According to the rating, the article states, Oregon teachers are less interested in leaving their jobs, they aren't as worried about job security because of testing, almost all are certified, and the majority feel they have control in their classrooms. This article also appeared on MyInforms.com.

AP/Chesterton Tribune | The article focuses on Indiana’s rating in the Learning Policy Institute’s national study on teacher recruitment and retention, and notes that many Indiana teachers are worried about the impact of standardized testing. It also states that Indiana teachers earn starting salaries lower than the national average, while facing some of the nation’s largest class sizes. A version of this article also appeared in SFGATE INDYSTAR and dozens of other publications and websites.

Education Dive by Tara García Mathewson | The article summarizes Learning Policy Institute reports examining the teaching profession, including teacher shortages, and the challenges of minority teacher recruitment and retention efforts. In Utah, the legislature took emergency action allowing for the hiring of teachers with no prior experience or specific training in education, the article states.

Education News by Kristen Decarr | A new report released by the Learning Policy Institute examines the teacher shortage facing the United States and suggests strategies to attract, as well as keep, high-quality teachers. Teacher shortages are one of the most pressing issues facing policymakers today, as they are constantly determining how to staff classrooms with a stable teaching staff, notes the author. This article also appeared on FYIBlog, Easy Branches International and MyInforms.com.

Forbes by Tim Worshall | Considering “the most basic concept within economics” of supply and demand, the author argues that it makes sense to pay teachers more if they specialize in subjects where the need is greatest, such as math, special education, and bilingual education. The issue is one of special skills, rather than general teaching skills. He also says a 2 percent shortage does not represent a crisis.

Ed Prep Matters/AACTE Blog | The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) commends the Learning Policy Institute report on the nationwide teacher shortage for its attention to the high cost to students of understaffed schools, particularly in low-income communities. Teacher education programs have stepped up recruitment and developed innovative partnerships with districts to meet local needs, but high-quality clinical experiences also are needed, the article notes.

nprEd – National Public Radio by Eric Westervelt | In a lengthy interview, NPR correspondent Eric Westervelt interviews Learning Policy Institute President Linda Darling-Hammond on the severity of the teacher shortage. Topics covered include the effect of shortages on high-poverty schools, the early exodus of teachers from the classroom, the impact of pay versus working conditions on teacher retention, and more. The broadcast and article ran on dozens of public radio stations throughout the U.S.

KOMU-TV Online by Emma Rechenberg | Responding to the Learning Policy Institute report on the nationwide teacher shortage, a college dean and a teacher candidate tout relationships and passion as ways to create a new teacher pool. University of Missouri College of Education Dean Kathryn Chval advocates recruiting future teachers as early as middle school. Hannah Rockwell, an early childhood major, says passion about helping children makes up for any professional drawbacks.

KHNL-TV Online by Jim Mendoza | A teacher argues that even the low score for Hawaii on the Learning Policy Institute’s “teacher attractiveness” scale is too high. Hawaii got a rating of 2.75 out of a possible 5 points, based on 2012 data. Teacher Amy Perruso said conditions have deteriorated since then, particularly with regard to teacher autonomy and evaluations.

United Press International by Doug G. Ware | This article details an intensive 100-page study by the Learning Policy Institute, which reports that with school sizes and classes returning to normal following the recession, the U.S. is facing its first major teacher shortage since the 1990s. The article also discusses an accompanying report on minority teacher recruitment. This article also appeared on United Press International Online.