This is here just to preload the mouseover images. A number of factors combine to create teacher shortages. Too few people are entering teaching. Too many leave. Demographics and state policy decisions contribute to shortages.
Teachers now have more career options than ever before.
Many teachers have reached retirement age, and almost one-third of teachers has taught for more than 20 years. Student enrollments are increasing. Legislators and parents are demanding decreases in class size. School districts and states are implementing policies to alleviate teacher shortages. Signing bonuses have spread to education, and several states offer them.