SC Educator Supply and Demand Report released: Concerns rise over increasing teacher vacancies

The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA) has unveiled its 2023-24 Annual Educator Supply and Demand Report, revealing a surge in teacher vacancies across South Carolina.

Since 2001, CERRA has been the driving force behind the state’s Annual Educator Supply and Demand Survey. This comprehensive survey, distributed to public school districts at the commencement of each academic year, serves as a tool in understanding the dynamics of the state’s educational workforce.

The survey focuses on crucial aspects such as teachers entering the profession, those leaving, and positions that remain unfilled. District representatives are urged to report in full-time equivalents (FTEs) to provide an accurate account of both full-time and part-time positions.

The latest report indicates a notable increase in teacher vacancies. At the outset of the 2023-24 school year, districts reported 1,613 vacancies, a contrast to the 1,474 reported the previous year. This represents a significant 9% uptick in teacher vacancies compared to the preceding academic year and a 190% increase compared to 2019.

The decline in the proportion of recent graduates from South Carolina teacher preparation programs is cited as a contributing factor. In the current school year, only 17% of new hires were recent graduates from in-state programs, marking a substantial drop from the 33% reported a decade ago.

South Carolina schools are increasingly reliant on international teachers to address staffing needs. The report highlights a 33% increase in the number of international teachers over the past year. While these educators bring unique perspectives and valuable expertise, work visa requirements pose a significant hurdle, preventing them from offering a sustainable, long-term solution to the shortage crisis.

In response to these trends, the Palmetto State Teacher’s Association issued a statement emphasizing the critical role teachers play in student success. The statement reads, “No other in-school factor has a greater influence on student academic achievement than access to a high-quality teacher, and strong relationships with caring educators strongly benefit student safety and well-being. However, across South Carolina, educator shortages are depriving tens of thousands of students from daily access to quality teaching.”

As education stakeholders grapple with the implications of this report, attention is now turning towards developing comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of the teacher shortage and ensure a sustainable and robust education system for the future.

To learn more about some of the solutions that have been propsed, please see the  2023 Teacher Recruitment and Retention Task Force “roadmap”.