University of Phoenix study shows school retention could help teacher shortage

University of Phoenix study shows school retention could help teacher shortage
University of Phoenix study shows school retention could help teacher shortage | Courtesy of Shutterstock
According to a recent study from the University of Phoenix College of Education survey, despite 80 percent of respondents finding K-12 education an important issue, only 16 percent have considered becoming teachers and contributing to the national teacher shortage.

“Teacher retention is key in addressing the teacher shortage -- making sure teachers are learner-ready from day one, current in the most effective educational strategies, and have a plan for continuous professional growth,” University of Phoenix College of Education Academic Dean Pamela Roggeman said. “This is what sets teachers up helping students to achieve. A huge step toward teacher retention is to reward teachers by helping them be seen and feel like respected leaders in the classroom.”

According to the study, 59 percent of voters believe that teaching is a fulfilling profession and 84 percent believe teachers are important in their communities. While low salaries contribute to people not considering teaching as a profession, the top reason is the time that it would take to return to school.

“As the opportunities and need for teachers continue to expand, so must the opportunities for preparation and education,” Roggeman said. “Programs that can equip new and prospective educators with the best tools for navigating the field are an important first step in changing the perceptions that surround K-12 teachers today.”