New Report Reveals 30% Drop In Aspiring Teacher Workforce For Louisiana

LA TEACHER SHORTAGE — A new state report says Louisiana’s teacher workforce has seen a 30% drop in the ranks of aspiring teachers, a glut of educators working outside their field of expertise, and a glaring need for more racial diversity. The Advocate reports the findings were presented to a joint meeting of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state Board of Regents. The report was released by a 17-member task force working on a two-year study authorized by the state Legislature earlier this year to address a growing teacher shortage that school leaders say is making it difficult to ensure that classroom slots are filled.