But a closer look reveals flaws in the system that create these problems. Administrators and others often operate on the assumption that teachers are interchangeable parts, thus justifying assigning a phys ed teacher to teach math, for example. Administrative incompetence also explains the apparent shortage as well. In Oakland, for example, some math and science classes have gone without teachers all year. One qualified science teacher finally gave up and took a job elsewhere.
Teacher training is a weak link.
Many traditional educators are skeptical of these programs, but school systems are standing in line to hire their graduates. The President and others are calling for more money for training, for programs to attract more young people into teaching, and for smaller classes. Our reporting in Georgia, Texas and California, among other places, suggests that the coming shortage is less a problem of recruitment than of retention. In many places teachers can be assigned to teach something they've never studied. President Clinton says we are facing a major national teaching shortage and that we need 2.2 million new teachers in the next decade.