SCHOOLS FACE DEEPENING TEACHER SHORTAGES

Teacher vacancies in Missouri are the highest in 14 years, according to a report from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. The number of vacant positions increased 185 percent over the past year. The reason? Low beginning salaries coupled with higher certification requirements are likely culprits. Job shortages in the private sector have also complicated matters. While veteran teachers enjoy higher salaries and good benefits, beginning teacher candidates may opt for higher private-sector salaries.

The biggest shortages have occurred in the areas of special education, science, math and vocal music. Shortages were also noted for librarians, counselors and principals. Statewide, there are still 929 positions unfilled, compared to 603 vacant positions last year.

Ironically, there may be an overabundance of new teachers certified for elementary positions. A huge surplus at the elementary grades is common statewide.

The changing nature of high school students and discipline issues may be discouraging more teachers at the secondary level. Districts may have to consider a bonus for the secondary grades if the trend continues.

Stringent certification requirements have been targeted by many administrators. When these requirements rise, colleges and universities add more hours to their certification programs, and that discourages some students. Student scores in recent years have been dropping, so states are hammering on mastery tests and teacher requirements.

Schools may have to do a better job in their recruitment efforts, targeting those areas with the greatest need. They may even want to set up partnerships with business as a way to identify people who might want to go back to school to become teachers. This could help increase the teacher pool and bring in people with real-world business experiences. There may be other alternatives as well as a way to bring more qualified people into public education.

The good news is this most recent shortage may be a boon for students at Southeast Missouri State University, which has a long and distinguished reputation as a teachers' college.

Teacher shortages are cyclical. The current shortages aren't the first and it certainly won't be the last. Eventually, public education will have to take a closer look at certification standards, and local districts may have to raise starting salaries to compete.

Parents and taxpayers certainly don't want to settle for less-qualified teachers.