For the sixth consecutive year, Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association (ASPAA) survey results confirm the continued teacher shortage in Arizona.
The data indicates about 28% of teacher vacancies across the state this year remain unfilled while half of the vacancies are filled by teachers who do not meet the state’s standard certification requirements.
These results reinforce the need to increase funding for public education. Arizona teacher pay remains one of the lowest in the country, even with the recent education budget increase.
In addition to the continued teacher shortage, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted staffing in education. More teachers and staff are separating employment or have taken a full-year, unpaid leave of absence than in previous years with the primary reason related to COVID-19.
Arizona children deserve the best teachers and a…
