The Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Principals Advisory Council (PrAC) heard about the current programs that address the growing shortage of teachers throughout the state during its March 8 meeting.
Citing both a national and statewide teacher shortage, Kentucky Education Commissioner Wayne Lewis announced a new campaign and website to recruit and inspire the next generation of educators.
Thousands of teaching positions in Kentucky schools remain unfilled as the start of a new school year approaches, and the Kentucky Department of Education is working to address the shortage through high school career pathways, college recruitment and alternative certifications
Kentucky Education Commissioner Wayne Lewis said raising awareness of teaching opportunities available to other professionals will be an important part of the work to combat “significant” teacher shortages in Kentucky.
The most important school factor in a child’s academic success is having access to high-quality, effective teachers. While we have continually sought to improve the quality of instruction provided to students, particularly those who have been historically underserved, we are now facing teacher shortages in Kentucky and across the nation like we never have before.