A Cross-State Discussion of Teacher Workforce Systems: Challenges and Research-Based Recommendations to Meet Them

• In Event: Exploring Strategies to Address Needs in the Teaching Workforce

Abstract

This paper reviews a series of reports on teacher licensure and program approval systems conducted in four states. These reports, prepared for the relevant state education agencies (SEAs) in each state, reviewed how these systems were advancing the preparation of a stable, diverse, well-qualified, and equitably distributed teacher workforce, and provided SEA staff with in-depth information on state teacher workforce challenges, policy activities, and policy systems along with research-based recommendations for state action. Drawing on these state reports, this paper describes teacher workforce challenges that appear across states and the actions recommended to address these challenges, highlighting connections across different state policy contexts. Connections to national trends in educator preparation licensure and program approval are also discussed.

Authors

• Steven Wojcikiewicz, Learning Policy Institute

• Ryan Saunders, Learning Policy Institute

• Cathy Yun, Learning Policy Institute