"Addressing the Teacher Shortage in the Public-School Sector" by Samuel Wims Mr and Samuel J. Wims Jr

Date

Summer 6-14-2024

ESRP 9000 Professor

David B. Ross, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Lucas DeWitt, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Addressing the Teacher Shortage in the Public School Sector. Samuel Wims, 2024: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: blueprint, decline, disparities, blueprint, sustainability, multi-tiered system of supports, organization, sustainability

The purpose of this strategic research project (SRP) is to address the teacher shortage in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), which have significant implications for the quality of education and the overall functioning of the school system. The SRP aims to analyze the factors contributing to the shortage, propose viable solutions, and outline an action plan to mitigate the issue. The teacher shortage in MDCPS is a multifaceted problem influenced by various factors. Among the 40 identified factors, the final and most pressing one is the inadequate compensation for teachers. Low salaries have made it difficult to attract and retain qualified educators, leading to a persistent shortage that affects student performance and school operations. Other contributing factors include the high cost of living in Miami-Dade County, which exacerbates the issue of low teacher salaries and high workloads and stress levels that lead to burnout and attrition. Limited opportunities for professional development can also discourage teachers from staying in the profession, and insufficient support from school administration can impact teacher morale and job satisfaction. The proposed solution to address the teacher shortage is to restructure teacher salaries to make them more competitive. By increasing compensation, MDCPS can attract more qualified candidates, retain current teachers, and improve overall teacher morale and job satisfaction. This approach aims to create a more stable and motivated teaching workforce.

The action plan involves conducting a thorough analysis of the current budget to identify potential reallocations and funding sources for salary increases; engaging with key stakeholders, including the school board, unions, and community leaders, to build support for the proposed salary restructuring; rolling out the salary increases in phases, starting with the most critical areas experiencing the highest shortages; and establishing metrics to monitor the impact of salary increases on teacher recruitment, retention, and performance. Evaluating the effectiveness of the plan and adjusting as needed is also crucial. To ensure successful implementation of the proposed solution, recommendations include: explore various funding options, including state and federal grants, to support the salary increases; advocate for policy changes at the state level to provide additional support and resources for teacher compensation; foster strong community support through awareness campaigns and public engagement to highlight the importance of addressing the teacher shortage; and regularly review and adjust the compensation plan based on feedback and performance data to ensure it remains effective and sustainable. By addressing the teacher shortage through competitive compensation, MDCPS can improve the quality of education and create a more stable and motivated teaching workforce, ultimately benefiting students and the community as a whole. The teacher shortage in MDCPS is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. By focusing on competitive compensation and addressing the various factors contributing to the shortage, MDCPS can create a more attractive and supportive environment for teachers.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Concentration

Curriculum and Teaching

Language

English

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