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Teacher Effectiveness
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Teacher Shortage

​California is experiencing a shortage of teachers, especially in special education, bilingual education, and science, technology, engineering and technology, or STEM. EdSource Today is tracking how the shortage is impacting different districts and regions statewide. Many are working on aggressive tactics to recruit and retain teachers, including offering bonuses and other incentives, and building teacher “residency” programs.
July 9, 2019

Teacher hopefuls offered $10,000 to enter California State University residency program

Three hundred students will be selected for the CSU Residency Year Service Scholarship Program next school year.

Diana Lambert
June 13, 2019

Bay Area school slated for 'redesign' gets new operating agreement

A commitment to save a California school includes a groundbreaking agreement between the teachers' union and school district.

Theresa Harrington
May 23, 2019

California considers overhauling test of reading instruction for teachers in training

The test is outdated and there is no evidence that it contributes to more effective instruction.

Diana Lambert
May 10, 2019

Teacher shortage, early education targeted in Gov. Newsom’s California budget revision

Newsom proposes funding for subsidized childcare, disabled students and a loan program for special education, math and science teachers.

John Fensterwald
May 8, 2019

California moves to get more K-12 students into computer science classes

More California K-12 students at all grade levels could have access to computer science classes if schools implement a plan unanimously approved by the State Board of Education Wednesday.

Diana Lambert
May 6, 2019

School districts must do more to manage costs of health benefits

When districts spend more money on health benefits, there’s less money for other priorities, like teacher salaries, researcher says.

Paul Bruno
April 18, 2019

Teach for America targeted as legislation seeks to limit inexperienced teachers in California

Assemblywoman has introduced a bill that would ban some inexperienced teachers from schools with a high percentage of low-income students.

Theresa Harrington
April 17, 2019

Interactive Map: Where teachers find affordable housing in California

Teachers in the most populated areas of California face formidable odds when it comes to securing housing throughout their careers. Explore three interactive maps that show the housing challenges California teachers face.

Justin Allen And Daniel J. Willis
April 15, 2019

More new teachers in pipeline, but California falling short in producing fully qualified ones

About half of new teachers hired in California classrooms are not fully credentialed.

Louis Freedberg
March 26, 2019

Kamala Harris's plan to boost teacher pay would cost $315 billion over 10 years

The goal would be to boost salaries of every teacher who is paid less than workers in other professions with comparable credentials and experience in their respective states.

Louis Freedberg
February 12, 2019

Oakland school board delays budget cuts amid complaints of lack of details

For months the district warned it needed to cut $30 million from its 2019-20 budget. When a plan to cut a lower amount came before them, the board put off a vote amid complaints that members didn't know how the cuts would impact students and schools. About 100 staffers, most from the central office, are slated to lose their jobs.

Theresa Harrington
January 21, 2019

Required tests roadblock for many aspiring California teachers

Almost half of California’s potential teachers quit the profession before they even start because they can't pass one or more of the tests required for them to earn a credential, making it more difficult for the state to put a dent in a persistent teacher shortage.

Diana Lambert
January 13, 2019

Oakland Unified looks to higher teacher pay to improve student learning as teachers threaten to strike

Teachers' union has threatened to strike after rejecting the district's offer of a 5 percent salary increase. Both sides must first participate in a fact-finding with a three-member independent panel.

Theresa Harrington
December 20, 2018

Teachers in Oakland gearing up for possible strike

Oakland Unified teachers union president says educators are “fed up” with low salaries and poor working conditions.

Theresa Harrington
October 2, 2018

Amidst teacher shortage new funds help districts train more bilingual teachers

New state funds, available through The Bilingual Teacher Professional Development grants, are helping more school districts and county offices of education to increase the number of bilingual teachers in the state.

Ashley Hopkinson