This question is being asked over and over by local school districts, by the Maine Department of Education, and by the U.S. Department of Education. It appeared on the front cover of Newsweek magazine the week of October 1, 2000. A shortage of teachers has been predicted for many years, but the current reality of classrooms without teachers is increasing the level of rhetoric about solutions for the growing problem. The economy is strong and the unemployment rate is low.
Young people have many career choices.
In one year, Maine s average teacher salary dropped in national ranking from 36 to 31. The figure has not changed since the late 80s. There has been an increase in the number of teachers working on conditional certificates or certification waivers. Unlicensed teachers are teaching our children. Applicants without the appropriate certification are teaching special education classes, where our most at-risk students can be found.