Dive Brief:

• Recruiters seeking out new teaching candidates are increasingly viewing the use of social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter as essential when finding prospects.
• Nationwide teacher shortages have led to around-the-clock recruitment for some districts, which utilize online platforms in addition to traditional application techniques. 
• A recent Pew study shows that 33% of Americans use social-media platforms, 35% of social-media users use platforms for job hunting, and 21% have applied for a job they found through social media, Education Week reports.

Dive Insight:

With the ongoing issue of teacher shortages, districts that are already using social media like Facebook and LinkedIn certainly have an advantage — especially since the majority of younger candidates are already online and using various platforms. Social media utilization by recruiters will also likely help districts find and retain more diverse candidates. A reported 7% of teachers and 11% of principals are black, percentages which are disproportionately low when compared with the national racial breakdown. Minority teachers and principals, however, do tend to hold more credentials.