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Pandemic may add to teacher shortage across the country

Courtesy of : marketwatch.com

 

EAU CLAIRE- Mich. –  Many teachers are considering other professions or even early retirement due to the pandemic – and that could lead to a national problem.

A survey led by the American Federation of Teachers in September found that a third of teachers were considering leaving the field due to the year’s drastic changes.

“It’s just a whole other world trying to teach these days,” said Eau Claire teacher May Reed-Shultz.

The elementary teacher has taught Michigan students for over 4 decades, and calls teaching her passion. If not for the pandemic, the 64- year- old said, she wouldn’t consider retiring for at least another three years.

“I’m just not ready to be done with this,” said Reed-Shultz. “I love the kids, and I love what we do every day.”

Like many teachers all over the country, the pandemic’s result of drastic changes on the job has taken away that same passion.

While the Lybrook Elementary art teacher still sees her k–through–5 students in person, that’s where the similarities to previous years end.

“The kids don’t get to come to the art room and experience the art room,” said Reed-Shultz. “I never have everything I need to do my job the way I want to do it.”

If more state teachers follow in Schultz–Reed’s footsteps, Michigan would be in big trouble.

Because in addition to fears of teachers retiring early or leaving the profession, fewer students are choosing to become teachers.

The number of students entering teacher preparation programs between 2010 and 2018 decreased more than 50 percent.

Nearly 816 teachers across the country responded to the ATF survey.

If the one–third who said they’d considering early retirement actually retire, that would be devastating news for the many k–through–12 schools already struggling under the strain of fewer teachers entering the workforce.

A problem many states need to look at with a close eye.

According to the survey another factor in teachers leaving was safety and the possible exposure of COVID–19 to a loved one who may be at risk.