3 K-12 staffing lessons learned in 2024

Schools continue to navigate persistent workforce challenges, including a shortage of special education teachers and gaps in diversity.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 19, 2024

Commission on Civil Rights probes special educator shortage

The bipartisan body is expected to issue a report next year that will provide recommendations to Congress and the president.

By Kara Arundel • Nov. 18, 2024

Majority of states see decrease in student-teacher ratios post-COVID

Just eight states had more students per teacher post-pandemic, per a K-12 Dive analysis of NCES data. What does that say about teacher shortages?

By Anna Merod • Nov. 4, 2024

Where does teacher diversity stand?

With students of color comprising 52% of public school enrollment in 2022-23, new data illustrates the extent to which the “representation gap” persists.

By Anna Merod • Updated Sept. 27, 2024

Can AI ease teacher workload as a recruitment, retention strategy?

K-12 leaders and experts weigh in on whether AI tools have the potential to make teachers’ jobs more manageable and if that can ease staffing challenges.

By Anna Merod • Aug. 26, 2024

How registered principal apprenticeships are filling gaps 1 year in

North Dakota education leaders say they rolled out the model to better address teacher shortages and improve student achievement.

By Anna Merod • July 31, 2024

How a district boosted recruitment, retention with affordable child care

Louisa County Public Schools launched its Little Lions Learning Lab in 2019, charging educators and staff just $400 per child per month.

By Anna Merod • June 25, 2024

Can paying college tutors help drive interest in teaching?

Compensating college students to tutor in K-12 is expanding the pool — and potentially opening eyes to future careers.

By Anna Merod • May 30, 2024

A Missouri registered apprenticeship program helps fill special education teaching vacancies

Half the state’s special educators still lack proper certifications, but Missouri State’s Pathways for Paraprofessionals Program is showing signs of success.

By Anna Merod • April 30, 2024

Districts increasingly turn to 4-day school weeks to recruit, retain staff

About 2,100 schools across 900 districts have adopted four-day school weeks, as of the 2022-23 school year, said an Oregon State University researcher.

By Anna Merod • March 14, 2024

Multilingual teachers in short supply as newcomer needs grow

Some schools are beginning to tap into higher ed partnerships to recruit teachers who work with English learners and newcomer students.

By Anna Merod • Feb. 22, 2024

Why staffing shortages in school nutrition persist — and what districts can do about them

School nutrition directors share what works as they navigate staffing issues, especially as universal school meal policies gain traction. 

By Anna Merod • Jan. 31, 2024

4 key school staffing solution themes that emerged in 2023

From a looming fiscal cliff to creative recruitment and retention strategies, here’s what stood out in the past year of our Staffed Up coverage.

By Anna Merod • Dec. 22, 2023

How has substitute teacher staffing changed since the pandemic?

Teacher shortage solutions and pandemic adjustments to substitute pay and entry requirements have had impacts on the sub pool.

By Anna Merod • Nov. 17, 2023

By the Numbers: Investments build for registered teacher apprenticeships

As of October 2023, 26 states have registered teacher apprenticeship programs with the U.S. Department of Labor, according to New America.

By Anna Merod • Oct. 30, 2023

Are virtual educators an answer to teacher shortages?

One live virtual teaching company, Elevate K-12, notes an uptick in district interest in its services amid severe, ongoing educator vacancies.

By Anna Merod • Sept. 29, 2023

4 ways to steer around bus driver shortages

As widespread staffing problems persist, school transportation experts share strategies that are working for some districts.

By Anna Merod • Aug. 28, 2023

What does the looming ESSER spending deadline mean for teacher shortages?

Experts weigh in on the challenges ahead as economic headwinds point to staff cuts in the near future.

By Anna Merod • July 10, 2023

4 ways to tackle retention, recruitment challenges in early childhood education

Universal preschool and overall enrollment are gaining steam, but staffing issues persist. 

By Anna Merod • May 31, 2023

How would an affirmative action repeal impact teacher diversity?

The lack of teachers of color in K-12 schools may worsen if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down race-conscious admission practices, higher ed experts fear.

By Anna Merod • April 28, 2023

Missouri shows ongoing investment in principals pays off

In recent years, the Missouri Leadership Development System, led by the state’s education department, has increased its principal retention rate to 95%.

By Anna Merod • March 29, 2023

5 tactics districts can use to navigate cybersecurity workforce shortages

While recruiting cybersecurity professionals may be daunting, tapping into higher ed or even training teachers for entry-level roles can be workarounds.

By Anna Merod • Feb. 22, 2023

Higher ed partnerships shine light on school mental health workforce solutions

Mental health professionals stress the need to invest in innovative programs to help recruit and retain school counselors, psychologists and social workers.

By Anna Merod • Jan. 24, 2023

The push and pull of strategic pay as a teacher shortage solution

Evidence shows paying teachers in hard-to-staff subjects and disadvantaged schools helps fill vacancies for crucial positions. But is that enough?

By Anna Merod • Dec. 21, 2022

7 tips to keep in mind when forming a registered teacher apprenticeship

As this model gains steam for addressing teacher shortages, experts suggest strategies for successful development.

By Anna Merod • Nov. 16, 2022