Lubbock Experts Warn of Worsening Teacher Shortage in Texas

Texas is dealing with a growing lack of teachers, as more teachers are leaving the job than those who are starting, say education experts in Lubbock.

Dr. Jacob Kirksey, an assistant professor of education policy at Texas Tech University, stated that the imbalance between departures and new hires is a major concern.

Dr. Kirksey said that more people are leaving the field than there are new people joining it.

A major problem for schools is the growing use of teachers who are not certified. Clinton Gill from the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) mentioned that statistics from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) revealed that in the last year, 56% of new teachers in Texas did not have certification.

School districts need to look for ways to bring in people who aren't qualified to teach and explore different certification options. Many of these people could be excellent teachers, but research shows that more than half of them quit within the first five years, Gill said.

The crisis is caused by several issues, such as low pay, not enough help, and difficult student behavior. The increasing shortage worries people about how many teachers there are and how good they are in Texas schools.

State and local leaders are looking for answers, but right now, the teacher situation is unstable, affecting schools throughout the state.

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