We are pleased that Gov. Greg Abbott wants a task force to examine the reasons behind a chronic shortage of teachers in Texas and to recommend policy changes. But if we’re truly honest with ourselves, most of us already know a few uncomfortable truths about this shortage.
The shortage didn’t occur overnight, nor will it be remedied quickly. The pace of progress comes down to collective commitments statewide to provide the resources to recruit and keep good teachers in the classroom. And that is where state lawmakers and some school districts have to make up for lost ground.
Nationally, more than 200,000 teachers leave the profession each year, with nearly two out of three leaving for reasons other than retirement, according to the Learning Policy Institute. Public school teachers cite many reasons for departing: poor pay and limited career paths; lack of respect and support from principals, colleagues and parents; competition from private industry; stressful working conditions, including salaries tied to high-stakes student testing; and political meddling with curriculum.
