The National Commission on Teaching and America's Future suggests policy changes to address the problem of teacher shortage as a whole. Many of the National Commission's policy recommendations, such as higher salaries and improved teacher education programs, are beyond the immediate control of local school leaders. However, principals and superintendents can take action to address the staffing issue. One key step is to upgrade hiring practices. In many cases, the selection process consists of little more than a review of resumes and a few unstructured interviews.
Schools can also do more to identify and recruit talented teachers.
Many classroom paraprofessionals have already developed extensive teaching skills, needing only encouragement and support to work toward full certification. Technology can aid some districts in luring potential teachers. Many districts have their own websites that tout the benefits of local attractions and the qualities of their schools. Others follow the more traditional route. A related issue is retention.