Thoughts on the teacher shortage

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