Beyond Incentives: A Review of Teacher Shortage Policies

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: All About the Money? New Perspectives on Teacher Compensation

Abstract

Reports of teacher shortages have dominated public conversation, policy interest, and research within the past several years. While the teacher shortage problem is not a contemporary issue, research has yet to synthesize the range of teacher shortage policies implemented over time and how policymakers address shortages and to what effect. This review documents teacher shortages policies and highlights three major approaches: offer financial incentives, change entry requirements, or develop human capital. Using perspectives from cultural political economy as a theoretical frame, the review considers how multiple factors shape teacher shortages and drive policy responses. This review contributes to bodies of work on teacher labor market research and offers implications for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

Author

• Andrene Castro, The University of Texas - Austin