Much has been written about the looming teacher shortage as the current generation of Baby Boomer Teachers nears retirement. Teacher salaries versus the escalating cost of a college degree are an often-cited reason why many of today’s students do not choose a career in teaching. USA Today estimated in February 2006 that the average college graduate would carry at least $19,000 in student debt upon graduation. Exacerbating the trend is the statistic that 50 percent of all new teachers in urban areas leave the profession in the first three years.
With the average teacher salary lingering around $32,488, it should come as no surprise that recent college graduates often seek jobs in other industries. Certain specialty areas have an even greater shortage of teachers. According to an EPE Research Center analysis, nearly two-thirds of public schools with teacher vacancies in biology, physical sciences and mathematics report difficulties in filling those positions. College students with an aptitude for math or science have multiple options available to them that pay better than teaching. The Princeton Review reports that college graduates with business degrees can expect to fetch an average starting salary of $38,188 while those with a degree in economics or finance can expect $40,906.
We (educators of teachers) need to do a better job of explaining the career options available and the looming teaching shortage. Legislative leaders need to weigh options to attract and retain the quality of teaching professionals who can provide America’s children with the background necessary to compete on a global scale.
According to the American Federation of Teachers, the top reason for all teachers leaving the profession due to dissatisfaction was “poor salary” which was cited by 45% of respondents. While poor salary is cited as the top reason, inadequate administrative support and inadequate time to prepare are in the top five as well. Reducing the shortage of qualified teachers will require money to be spent on more than just salaries. Our survival as a global leader is dependent upon improving education quality throughout the continuum.
