Mapping a Journey to Address the Educator Shortage

Kelly Coash-Johnson Executive Director, AASPA

This year, we hosted the third annual National Educator Shortage Summit in Phoenix, AZ. More than 300 attendees from PK12 school districts, Education Preparation Programs (EPPs), state departments, state legislatures, professional associations, and the US Department of Education gathered to collaborate on solutions to shortages and barriers.

Participants in this event were strategically placed at tables to ensure diverse representation across organization types for better brainstorming. Each table was given a fictional “Educator Persona” representing an individual who had entered the educator pipeline. Personas were inclusive of background, preparation path, and individual personal characteristics.

Following the work done to develop the “5 Shifts to Address the Educator Shortage,” “Mapping a Journey” again addresses the different barriers and challenges being felt by each of these potential individuals, along with opportunities and options. Navigating the path to education is complex and not always flexible or inclusive. Obtaining education licensure is expensive and an obstacle for many.

While we are happy to share the results of this event, the bigger takeaway is how districts can use personas and “Mapping a Journey” to address their own educator shortage. There are two recommended ways to use the personas–within an organization (e.g., a team of school district leaders) or across organizations (e.g., districts, regional service centers, educator preparation providers, and state agencies).

Use these existing personas to start a conversation within your organization. Are these the type of individuals you are seeing entering the pipeline or are these the individuals you would like to see entering the pipeline. Include a variety of voices in your conversations. For example, if you choose the “Paraprofessional” persona, talk to paraprofessionals at your organization through focus groups, interviews, etc. in order to understand their experiences, pain points, and barriers to advancing their careers by becoming teachers.

If you are having conversations across organizations, first think about who has relationships across the state and can effectively bring together all the appropriate entities. The goal of these conversations should be how to work together to support individuals who are coming into the education profession or transitioning jobs. This is especially important because a common pain point for candidates is when information is siloed or when information is being handed off from one organization to the next.

We are all in this together and can work collectively to improve the situation and ensure that every student has the best educator possible.

To learn more about the 5 Shifts to Address the Educator Shortage and the Mapping a Journey to Address the National Educator Shortage go to: https://www.aaspa.org/national-educator-shortage-