Eric.ed.gov – Afterschool: A Powerful Path to Teacher Recruitment and Retention. Afterschool Alert. Issue Brief No. 28

America’s schools are facing a critical shortage of teachers just as student enrollments are rising and more rigorous assessments of student achievement are being implemented. The shortage is especially acute in hard-to-staff schools in urban and rural areas, as well as in high-demand subjects such as math, science, and bilingual and special education. The teacher shortage is serious and real, and comes at a time when the nation’s educational system is at a crossroads. With the current emphasis on students’ academic performance and job-readiness, it is imperative that schools find and retain dedicated, high-quality teachers. These teachers must be able to teach to the highest standards while navigating complex challenges previously unknown in the profession. Examples from the field show that afterschool programs can provide current and aspiring educators with hands-on experience that is invaluable in the classroom and critical to teacher and student success. Teachers who feel prepared and supported enter the classroom excited and encouraged, ready to inspire students and teach them the tools they need to succeed academically, socially and professionally. Through innovative programming and an eye towards professional support and development, afterschool is an ideal platform through which to recruit, retain, and support America’s teachers.