California has been experiencing a shortage of teachers, especially in special education, bilingual education, and science, technology, engineering and math for some years. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem. EdSource 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.
California is in the midst of a serious and growing teacher shortage and state leaders must invest in building a prepared and stable teacher workforce.
Amid the state's teacher shortage, California issued more than 10,200 intern credentials, permits and waivers to underprepared teachers so they could work in classrooms in 2015-16.