But it means that we'll need a whole lot more people near the chalkboard. The American Federation of Teachers says 2 million new teachers are needed to replace those who are retiring over the next 10 years. The shortage of teachers is a particularly urgent problem in urban areas, and in fields such as math, science, and special education. And the pay ceilings in education aren't helping matters. Addressing the salary issue would make teaching a competitive field.
Teacher training is also in short supply.
Often, inexperienced or under trained teachers are put in the largest classes with the most difficult students, Capwell says. Not surprisingly, about 40 percent of teachers bolt after the first five years in the classroom. Nursing Many of us have stories of a friend who's been stuck by the wrong needle, or the right needle in the wrong place. That's what happens when you're in a hurry, or are in a position for which you weren't trained. Vanderbilt University estimates that by 2020, the United States will have 20 percent fewer nurses than necessary.