Arkansas Is Having Success Solving Teacher Shortages, and Other States Should Take Notice

Based on its demographic profile and on geography, it would seem safe to assume that Magnolia Middle School in Arkansas is among the scores of schools across the country suffering from a teacher shortage. The school predominantly serves Black and Latino students and those from low-income backgrounds.

Until recently, its starting teacher salary was $36,000, among the lowest in the country. And the closest metro area that could serve as a magnet for talent, Little Rock, is over two hours away.

Yet Magnolia Middle School is fully staffed, with a thriving mix of educators that includes veterans serving as lead teachers and aspiring teachers completing paid, yearlong residencies.

Much of what is driving success in Magnolia is part of a promising strategy across Arkansas, which is becoming a national leader in teacher recruitment and retention. Nationally, the challenges facing our education system require a response that is as multifaceted and nuanced as the problems themselves, and Arkansas’ strategy serves as a promising model of how an integrated range of approaches can be effective.

Arkansas’ strategy should also serve as a call to action for all stakeholders — policymakers, educators, community leaders, philanthropists and the public — to explore adapting such efforts in their own states.

Read the full article at The Hetchinger Report.