Giving Compass' Take:

· With a decline in the enrollment in teacher education programs and an increase in demand for new teachers, Education Dive explains that school districts are exploring new teacher recruiting strategies.

· What are some effects of the current teacher shortage on students and learning? How are schools attracting new teachers? 

· Read more about the struggle to find and keep good teachers.

The 2018 PowerSchool Talent Index reveals that the demand for teachers increased 14% in 2017 and that 51% of school districts surveyed are experiencing a teacher shortage. In addition, 84% of respondents surveyed said attracting teacher candidates is one their district’s top three priorities.

Clearly, attracting new teachers is a nationwide concern, though the specific shortages may vary from state to state. While some school districts are looking at grow-your-own teacher programs, such as the one beginning in Polk County, other school districts are looking to increase incentives by offering perks such as cash or housing subsidies. Converting paraprofessionals into teachers is another popular option, especially as they already have connections to a school. And Arkansas is seeing growth in the number of teachers because of a concerted effort to promote the profession.

Read the full article about teacher recruiting by Amelia Harper at Education Dive.