An Analysis of the Teacher Shortage from Multiple Perspectives: Why Is it Difficult to Recruit and Retain High-Quality Teaching Candidates?

The severe shortage of teachers is a critical concern in education today. This project investigates this complex issue by delving into its root causes from diverse angles. The study explores the difficulties that hinder the recruitment and retention of competent educators, impacting the overall educational landscape. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research employs qualitative and quantitative data to probe the teacher shortage phenomenon. Through an extensive review and analysis of existing literature, the study identifies and examines factors dissuading potential educators from joining the profession and obstructing the continuity of experienced teachers. Factors like low morale, excessive workloads, limited career advancement, inadequate compensation, insufficient professional growth opportunities, and challenging work conditions are thoroughly examined. Policies, institutional practices, and the teacher shortage are examined in the study. By scrutinizing educational policies, licensing requirements, and teacher training programs, the research underscores systemic issues unintentionally deterring capable candidates from pursuing and staying in teaching roles. It also explores effective strategies educational institutions and school districts use to attract and retain quality educators, proposing potential remedies to alleviate the shortage. The study's findings underscore the imperative for an inclusive, collaborative approach to tackle the teacher shortage crisis. It emphasizes the necessity for reforms in recruitment, compensation, professional development, and fostering supportive work environments. In conclusion, this research provides insights into the teacher shortage by examining it through diverse lenses.