Addressing Our Educator Shortage
The United States is facing a massive educator shortage, and it's impacting our classrooms, communities, and students. As the 2023-24 school year began, nearly half of public schools reported struggles in filling open teaching positions (U.S. Department of Education, 2023). The numbers were stark: in just one year, vacancies jumped from 36,000 in 2022 to 55,000 in 2023, and the percentage of classrooms filled by underqualified teachers continued to grow.
So, what’s driving this trend? And more importantly, how can we reverse it?
Why Fewer People Are Choosing to Teach
For years, recruiting new teachers has been tough. Since the 1970s, enrollment in teacher preparation programs has steadily declined (HEGIS, 2020). Today, high school seniors show less interest in teaching than at any point in the last 50 years (Kraft & Lyon, 2024). This lack of interest is paired with a drop in job satisfaction, as stagnant salaries and the rising costs of tuition make teaching less appealing. Many prospective teachers see other careers as more rewarding, better paying, and more financially sustainable in the long run.
“Words like “exhausting,” “stressful,” and “frustrating” are more commonly used by teachers than “rewarding” or “fulfilling.”
Why Teachers Are Leaving
Even for those who enter the teaching profession, staying in it is a struggle. The primary reasons? High levels of stress and burnout. In a recent survey of 4,600 educators in California, over half of the respondents cited stress as the main reason they consider leaving (RAND Corporation, 2022). Words like "exhausting," "stressful," and "frustrating" are more commonly used by teachers than "rewarding" or "fulfilling" (Hart Research Associates, 2022).
With teachers feeling overworked and under-supported, both new and experienced educators are leaving the profession in large numbers.
How Vital is Putting Teachers First
At Vital, we believe that solutions start with understanding teachers’ daily experiences and challenges. Supporting teachers isn’t just about financial incentives; it’s about making sure they feel heard, supported, and involved in school and district decision-making. Research backs this up—educators who feel valued are significantly more likely to stay in the profession (Learning Policy Institute, 2016).
Our goal at Vital is simple but powerful: to create environments where teachers don’t just work—they thrive. Through practical strategies focused on well-being, engagement, and reducing burnout, we aim to support teachers at every step.
Join Us in Supporting Educators
The educator shortage is a complex problem, but solutions are within reach when we put teacher voices at the forefront. Vital is committed to making a real impact by improving daily working conditions, prioritizing educator input, and fostering supportive school communities. We believe every teacher deserves to feel valued, empowered, and supported—because that’s what makes schools stronger.
Are you ready to make a difference? Stay connected with us at Vital to learn more about how you can help support educators and bring positive change to your community.