Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1449741
Solutions to the Teacher Shortage A N E W R E P O R T from the Learning Policy Institute looks into the acute teacher shortages in many districts and the strategies some are using to mitigate them — such as increasing compensation, developing high-re- tention pathways such as teacher residencies, and hiring more support staff. The report includes these ini- tiatives in its recommendations to address the shortages. " Teacher Shortages During the Pandemic: How California Districts are Responding" surveyed officials from eight small and large districts in California and investigated the impact COVID-19 has had on teacher supply and demand, including teacher retire- ments and resignations. The study, conducted in August and September 2021, found that shortages have been exacerbated during the pandemic, leading some districts to hire under- prepared teachers as they also cope with a lack of substitute teachers. Recommendations in addition to the above include: • Initiatives to support school staff to become credentialed teachers, and bonuses or stipends for particularly hard-to-fill positions. • Debt-free college, income tax credits, and housing subsidies for educators. • Improved state support for teacher candidates. • Investment in programs allowing students to begin teacher prepa- ration at community colleges and finish at four-year institutions. Read the full report at learningpolicyinstitute.org. Grow Your Leadership Skills F O R N A Q I B A G R E G O R Y, being part of CTA's EMEID (Ethnic Minority Early Identification and Development) program in 2018-19 "was an import- ant journey in my life. EMEID provides wonderful opportunities to find how our strengths and interests fit within CTA's structure so we can best serve the association and our members." Gregory is now the new board advisory chair for EMEID, a yearlong program for CTA members of color who are interested in expanding their roles in CTA. EMEID's goal is to increase the number of CTA leaders of color. It builds on existing CTA and NEA programs, trainings, conferences and events, and includes ongoing interac- tion with your chapter, CTA and NEA leadership, and CTA staff. Dates for EMEID Class of 2022-23 Apply at cta.org/emeid starting Feb. 15; deadline: April 8. Applicants notified by May 13. Participants are expected to attend CTA Summer Institute, Emerging Leaders Track, July 24–28, and CTA State Council, Jan. 27–29, 2023. Contact emeid@cta.org for details. EMEID Class of 2021-22 (not pictured: Kenda Pot and Benjamin Vazquez). Continued on page 55 12 cta.org In the Know N E W S & N O T E S Naqiba Gregory