The Metro: The plan to fix Michigan’s teacher shortage
Ten years ago, only a handful of Michigan school districts reported permanent teaching vacancies. Today, that number has exploded: more than 150 districts now have jobs they can’t fill.
Most everyone wants students to have good teachers. But how do we adequately prepare educators, and keep them in the profession?
That’s a pressing question as teacher retention drops in Michigan. And it’s the most pressing in school districts with more poverty.
Ten years ago, only a handful of Michigan school districts reported permanent teaching vacancies. Today, that number has exploded: more than 150 districts now have jobs they can’t fill.
Some in the state are trying to fix this.
Jack Elsey leads the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative. His nonprofit is launching a collaboration with some public universities in the state to change the way teachers are trained, and to keep them in the field. He spoke with Robyn Vincent.
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