The education workforce shortage

We are faced with a new set of "three Rs" in schools: retirement, recruitment and retention of qualified staff.  The resources listed below can help you understand these issues:

• What's On the Table? Are Higher Salaries Really the Answer? - An analysis of what really motivates teachers during an employee shortage.
• Growing Great Teachers - Summer 2000 edition of Northwest Education published by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.

National education workforce resources

Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) - Issues teaching certificates, establishes rules for teacher and administrator certification, takes appropriate disciplinary action against educators and districts found to be in violation of Oregon statutes or performance standards.

Oregon Education Association (OEA) - Statewide union that represents the majority of teachers, community college instructors and education support personnel in Oregon. An affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA).

National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future - A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing every child with competent, caring, qualified teachers in schools organized for success.

American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education - Provides services to help schools, colleges, and departments of education effectively prepare teachers.

Recruitment and retension resources

Consider Replacing Early Retirement Incentives with TSAs  Your Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) may not be the best cost-saving strategy in today’s climate of rising health care costs. In fact, OSBA recommends substituting ERI packages with a district-funded Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA).

Tips for avoiding employment claims - A list of hiring do's and dont's to help you avoid employment claims.