School Staff Shortages
Guidance, policy updates and actionable resources for schools & districts experiencing school staff shortages.
Background
AASA strongly believes federal education policy must address the education staff shortage and acknowledge that schools need a pipeline of high-quality educators to operate, function and provide equitable education to students including support for existing and innovative instructional models. There has been significant movement at federal agencies to address the staffing shortage.
The Department of Education (ED) and Department of Labor (DOL) announced actions to further expand access to high-quality and affordable pathways into education professions, including residency, grow your own, and Registered Apprenticeship programs. These actions include new funding and technical assistance.
The Department of Labor issued its final rule altering the overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The rule includes two-tiered increases to the minimum salary threshold and the threshold for highly compensated employees (HCE) as well as automatic updates to both thresholds. Districts will have to make the choice about whether to offer newly qualifying employees overtime, to hire additional employees to help lower their workloads, and/or to raise salaries to be above the cap. You can read our recap here.
Additionally announced in April, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant programs will no longer be managed through a designated loan servicer. Instead, we are updating our systems and contact centers to streamline and fully manage these programs through StudentAid.gov. You can read that recap here.
AASA's Position & Priorities
AASA is committed to advocating for the following:
- Federal education policy must address the educator shortage and acknowledge that schools need a pipeline of high-quality educators to operate, function and provide equitable education to students including support for existing and innovative instructional models.
- Federal efforts to support local education agencies with their teacher and staffing needs must include establishing a commission to address the long-standing teacher shortage exacerbated by the pandemic.
- Support the preservation and expansion of resources for future and current teachers to address the teacher shortage issue.
- The federal government must take action to address the specific shortages of bus drivers and other pupil transportation service providers. Such policies could include: Delay of Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT rule); allowing for third party administration of the skills and knowledge tests; creating an entry level CDL in school transportation; and a one-year exemption to social security earning limitation.
We’ve said many times that public education is the cornerstone of this country. We need to save it. We need to transform it. The responsibility is huge, but the reward is immense... America is crying out to throw its support behind those who are charged with leading the classrooms in which our children are learning more than ever before.
David R. Schuler, AASA executive director
Issue Updates
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April 30, 2024
The Advocate May 2024: April Was a Regulatory FrenzyThis month's edition of The Advocate is all about the regulatory frenzy at federal agencies.
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April 25, 2024
Department of Labor Releases Final Overtime Rule: What It Means for DistrictsEarlier this week, the Department of Labor issued its final rule altering the overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
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October 25, 2023
AASA Signs Letter Urging Department of Labor to Withdraw Overtime RulemakingEarlier this week, AASA jointed 87 organizations representing private, public, nonprofit, and educational entities sent letters to House and Senate lawmakers.
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July 25, 2023
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program FAQThis month, improvements to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program went into effect.
AASA Resources
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March 01, 2024
Embracing the Four-Day School WeekType:Article Topics: District & School OperationsWhile gaining in popularity to address sagging teacher recruitment and retention, what’s the real impact of a shortened week on students and their learning? -
November 02, 2023
School Staff Shortages with Laura ToenjesType:Podcast Topics: District & School OperationsAASA president Gladys Cruz talks with superintendent Laura Toenjes about creative strategies for addressing school staff shortages. -
November 01, 2023
Recruiting Immigrants to Sustain Teacher SupplyType:Article Topics:Overseas work experience and credentials are undervalued when it comes to the teaching profession. Could a modified view address staffing shortages? -
August 01, 2023
Engaging Reluctant Staff in New InitiativesType:Article Topics:Practical solutions for getting buy-in when putting in place strategies or moving in different directions.
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