TEP (Teacher Education Program) Deserts: The Link Between Teacher Shortages and the Location of Teacher Education Programs

• In Event: Creating a Healthy Education System to Thrive In

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between teacher shortages and teacher education deserts. Currently, there is a lack of reliable data on the number of teacher shortages in California, and even less data on the specific areas of the state that are most affected. This study helps inform policymakers and educators to look beyond recruitment and retention, to the physical pipeline structures that may be impacting our efforts to stabilize the profession. Findings suggest that the location of teacher education programs impact educator workforce patterns across the state.

Authors

• Kai Monet Mathews, University of California - Los Angeles

• Cathy Balfe, University of California - Los Angeles

• Hui Huang, University of California - Los Angeles

• Erika Yagi, University of California - Los Angeles