Every child deserves a good teacher. That's why educators and communities alike are concerned about the shortage of good, qualified teachers. This trend, which is also occurring across the country, is likely to continue over the next decade. According to the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics, less than half the students enrolling in university teacher education programs actually graduate and secure teaching positions. Half of those making their way to the classroom leave after teaching only three and five years.
Competition is stiff for skilled workers in all trades and professions in the job market of today.
The teaching profession does not have the recruits that it had a generation ago. For example, women and minorities once found opportunities for professional growth in teaching that were not available to them in other professions. That is no longer true. Whatever stand one takes on public education, it is nothing less than critical that we all take a stand for teachers. It is essential that the teaching profession draws the best and the brightest men and women to the field of teaching, and that they stay in the profession to teach a generation of students.