TL/DR –
A study by the Michigan Alliance For Student Opportunity has found that teacher absences and vacancies, as well as competition over teachers, have negatively affected K-12 student learning. The study involved analysis of state-level and local administrative personnel data, as well as surveys and interviews of various school personnel. The report also showed that shortages are severe for special education, STEM teachers, and other school staff, with economically disadvantaged districts being particularly affected.
Michigan K-12 Workforce Faces Rising Teacher Absenteeism and Unfilled Vacancies
A year-long study highlights the challenges in Michigan’s K-12 workforce as teacher vacancies and absences impact student learning. An increase in teacher absence rates and a decline in substitute teacher fill-rates were observed.
Increased Competition for Teachers Impacting School Districts
Simultaneously, increased competition among school districts for teachers has led to widespread teacher mobility. This finding was highlighted in a new report by the Michigan Alliance For Student Opportunity, released on Monday.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Michigan’s Education Workforce
The alliance, comprising member school districts serving students in economically disadvantaged districts, conducted the research alongside Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. The report was funded by the State of Michigan and released in collaboration with Public Policy Associates.
Impact of Workforce Shortage on Economically Disadvantaged Districts
Peter Spadafore, executive director of the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity, stated that the K-12 workforce shortage severely affects schools in economically disadvantaged districts. As school districts grapple with dwindling resources post-pandemic, they must address these shortfalls.
Investigating Staffing Challenges and Implementing Solutions
The year-long study examined staffing issues across Michigan’s education system and identified how other states and districts responded to these challenges. It included a comprehensive review of data, surveys, and interviews, and intensely scrutinized existing research literature.
Increasing Vacancies and Declining Quality of Applicants
Both administrative data and feedback from district administrators have indicated an increase in vacancies and a decline in the quality of applicants. Severe shortages are observed among special education and STEM teachers, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and bus drivers.
Disadvantaged Districts Face the Worst of the Educator Shortage
Chris Torres, a principal investigator of the report, pointed out that economically disadvantaged districts endure the worst of the educator shortage. Schools have seen increased vacancies, fierce competition for staff, and a steep decline in applicants for all types of positions, affecting low-income districts most.
Difficulty in Quantifying Unfilled Jobs
A shortage of teachers and school staff has been a significant issue in Michigan for more than a decade. However, with local school districts not mandated to report vacancies, the exact number of unfilled positions is hard to estimate.
Efforts to Address the K-12 Teacher Shortage
In December, Michigan educators announced a statewide partnership to tackle the K-12 teacher shortage. The “Talent Together” consortium spans 63 counties and aims to create new pathways for aspiring teachers, including those without a bachelor’s degree.
Superintendent Turnover Compounds Staffing Challenges
Apart from teacher vacancies, superintendent turnover is a growing concern in Michigan. Vacancies have resulted from retirements and resignations, and there is a shrinking pool of superintendent candidates available.
Read More US News