Opinion

Thoughts on the teacher shortage

Posted February 07, 2008 10:00 pm

Did anyone catch the irony in two recent education reports in the Daily Herald?

It was noted in a front page report (Jan. 28) that the suburbs face a critical shortage of math and science teachers. A couple of months ago we followed a 10-part series on school finance. One conclusion was that teachers do not work many hours, yet receive lucrative salaries.

With that in mind, I am wondering why there is a shortage of math and science teachers. I thought high wages and desirable working conditions increased the pool of qualified candidates.

I would imagine long vacations, short hours, cushy working conditions, and high pay would have math and science majors lined up at the school door.

Perhaps a school free- market proponent can explain the teacher shortage?

Dennis McSherry

(retired 2007, District 214)

Fox Lake

Article Comments

Article Categories
Communities Fox Lake Letters to the Editor Opinion

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.