Parents’ Perceptions of Teacher Shortage and Its Consequences: Results From Austria

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Navigating the Possibilities and Paradoxes of Parent and Family Engagement and Partnerships (Table 2)

Abstract

Teacher shortage is a current challenge around the globe which is counteracted by approaches such as filling positions with not fully certified or second-career teachers, thus increasing the heterogeneity of teaching staffs. How this effects teaching and learning is still unclear and there is little empirical evidence regarding the perspectives of different stakeholders in the educational system. To gain insight into parent’s perceptions of teacher shortage, changes in teaching quality, impacts on their children, and their own willingness to provide additional support at home, a nationwide online survey was conducted in Austria. The results showed that respondents perceived various negative effects of teacher shortage, with consequences seeming to be more severe in lower-track schools and schools serving marginalized communities.

Authors

• Romana Dorfer, Johannes Kepler University of Linz

• Christoph Helm, Johannes Kepler University of Linz

• Denise Demski, Ruhr-Universität Bochum

• Tanja Aistleitner, Johannes Kepler University of Linz

• Alexandra Postlbauer, Johannes Kepler University of Linz