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Addressing the teacher shortage and burnout crisis in Pennsylvania: A path forward

In Pennsylvania and across the United States, school districts are facing a significant teacher shortage and alarming rates of teacher burnout. These issues threaten the quality of education, leading to larger class sizes, fewer qualified teachers in specific subject areas and overworked educators. Addressing this crisis is vital for Pennsylvania’s educational future and for the well-being of the teachers who inspire and shape future generations.

The teacher shortage: A growing concern for Pennsylvania schools

The teacher shortage in Pennsylvania has reached critical levels. In 2023, about 9,500 teachers left the profession making that year’s 7.7% attrition rate the highest on record, according to the . Such high rates of teacher attrition are evident throughout the U.S.

Some of the primary factors behind this shortage include:

• Low starting salaries: Average teacher salaries have declined over the past 30 years. according to this , and make it challenging for teachers to financially support themselves, especially when factoring in student loans.
• Increasing demand and unfilled positions: Pennsylvania's population growth and growing student-to-teacher ratios have left districts scrambling to hire qualified teachers. Staffing shortages and unbalanced student-teacher ratios create stressful environments for classroom educators.
• Declining respect and prestige: Recent suggests in 2011, 77% of teachers reported feeling respected by community members. In 2022, the percentage fell to 46%. Unfavorable public perception increases the likelihood of teachers quitting the profession.

Institutions of higher education can help address teacher shortages. in southcentral Pennsylvania initiated Educators for Tomorrow to help high schoolers imagine a teaching career. Enrolled high school juniors and seniors participate in a one-year cohort designed to help them gain a deeper understanding and exposure to teaching as a potential career. Participation in the EFT includes 1) dual enrollment in education-specific courses; 2) events focused on education and teaching; and 3) experiential learning led by the school district where the student is enrolled.

“Teaching has always been a challenging profession,” observes Tina Keller, chair of undergraduate education at 91制片厂, “but in recent years it has been exasperated by many factors. We help future teachers have a clear-eyed view of the environment that they are entering.”

In addition to recruiting more people into the field of education, universities like 91制片厂 are also responding to the present-day shortages and challenges in school districts by streamlining a path for individuals with non-education degrees to pursue teacher certification. The Teacher Certification Initiative works directly with local school districts to coordinate cohorts of emergency-certified teachers to complete their certification in 18-24 months via online coursework, allowing them to continue working in the classroom while pursuing long-term certification.

Understanding teacher burnout

Teacher burnout is a prevalent issue in Pennsylvania and across the nation as well. In a 2022 survey by the , over 55% of educators nationally reported considering leaving the profession due to burnout and excessive stress, a figure that has risen significantly over recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic intensified existing stressors in the teaching profession. Burnout often results from prolonged stress, lack of support and overwhelming demands, all of which are unfortunately common in today’s classrooms.

The following factors contribute significantly to burnout among teachers:

• Administrative overload: Teachers are often required to complete extensive administrative tasks on top of their teaching responsibilities. Between grading, lesson planning, meetings and paperwork, many teachers find themselves working well beyond school hours.
• Behavioral and mental health challenges: Today’s teachers manage a wide range of student needs and behavioral challenges, often without sufficient mental health support or behavioral intervention programs. This can be exhausting and demoralizing, especially in under-resourced schools.
• Limited autonomy and professional control: Many teachers feel they lack the autonomy to tailor their teaching methods to the unique needs of their students. Instead, they are required to adhere to rigid curricula or standardized testing pressures, which can diminish job satisfaction and personal investment in the profession.

“Part of combatting burnout is providing a space to listen and acknowledge the changes in the profession,” says Christina Simmons, program coordinator of graduate education at 91制片厂. Faculty at 91制片厂 devote significant time and attention to their students, supporting them not only by helping them feel prepared in the classroom, but by serving as mentors and encouragers.

By building cohorts of educators to support one another, introducing strategies for self care and work-life balance and providing ongoing professional development opportunities relevant to the challenges of present-day education, universities are important partners in combatting burnout.

A community and governmental call to action

To solve the teacher shortage and burnout crisis, communities and lawmakers must prioritize educational investment. Parents and community members can advocate for school funding and show appreciation for teachers’ hard work. Policymakers can look to states that have effectively addressed teacher shortages through higher salaries, incentives, and funding for mental health services. A collective approach—spanning from local community support to statewide policies—is essential for lasting change.

“Supporting teachers and school is the responsibility of all of us,” says Keller. “The future of our children, their wellness and success is intertwined with the wellbeing of teachers.”