The Need Is Now: Dealing with Minnesota's Teacher Shortages

A survey of Minnesota principals examined shortages of high quality teachers in Minnesota, variations across subject areas and geographic regions of the state, and the particular difficulties of teacher recruitment in rural schools. Survey responses were received from 710 principals, including 396 in small rural schools. More than 90 percent of principals reported a serious shortage of strong teacher candidates in at least one curriculum area. There was not a shortage of strong candidates overall; the largest shortages were in math, science, special education for emotional/behavioral disorders, and industrial arts. There was also a shortage of teachers of color in urban, suburban, and rural schools. Rural schools were not significantly more likely to face teacher shortages, in general, but shortages in some subject areas varied by region and rurality/urbanicity. In 1997-98, 73 percent of the teachers leaving the profession left for reasons other than retirement, and principals were much more likely to describe the average teacher leaving the profession as effective or highly effective rather than ineffective. Projected retirements in math, physical science, and industrial arts will exacerbate an already bad situation, especially in rural areas. Recruitment and retention strategies used by districts are listed, as well as recommendations to state policymakers. (Contains 16 references, the survey questionnaire, and many figures and data tables.) (SV)