Why It's So Hard to Find

Jose Vose, the Regional Superintendent of Sangamon and Menard Counties, feels that one of the greatest reasons for the shortage of teacher applicants in his area deals with money. According to Vose, it is likely that teachers aren't entering the occupation because of Illinois budget problems and the possibility of reduced public-pensions in the coming years.

I won't discount his point but there are plenty of other reasons why it is hard to find qualified teachers. I would submit to you that the over-the-top testing is a factor as is the loss of classroom autonomy. By this last point I am referring to the notion that schools are pushing their teachers to teach in a certain fashion. Conformity is in.

The above only scratches the surface. Teachers are finding that their classroom 'teaching' responsibilities go beyond the classroom. This also holds true for administration and boards of education. Dealing with the homeless, special needs, impoverished students/families and other social issues impacting learning are very real classroom challenges.

Too many articles abound in print and social media about the alleged ills of education and teachers. No doubt this has an impact on the numbers who might decide to enter the profession of teaching.

Whatever the reasons, it is a shame that our state and country is finding it difficult to have people enter and stay in the honorable profession of teaching.

Dick