"If nothing changes by the fall of 2013, University of Tennessee researchers say the state can expect a teacher shortage so severe 40 percent of the current positions could be open.
The most critical need will be for math and science teachers, but dire shortages are predicted at every grade level, plus special education and vocational education, said Bill Fox, director of the UT Center for Business and Economic Research in Knoxville.
MARK WEBER/THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILES
A study released Tuesday predicts an acute shortage of teachers in Tennessee, beginning next year. By fall of 2013, researchers project 31,431 teacher openings. Students at all grade levels, such as elementary student Errion Boyd, could feel the effects.
'We've been changing the rules,' he said. 'For instance, we've increased the number of math classes and science classes that students must take. We've lowered pupil-to-teacher ratios,' he said."
The most critical need will be for math and science teachers, but dire shortages are predicted at every grade level, plus special education and vocational education, said Bill Fox, director of the UT Center for Business and Economic Research in Knoxville.
MARK WEBER/THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL FILES
A study released Tuesday predicts an acute shortage of teachers in Tennessee, beginning next year. By fall of 2013, researchers project 31,431 teacher openings. Students at all grade levels, such as elementary student Errion Boyd, could feel the effects.
'We've been changing the rules,' he said. 'For instance, we've increased the number of math classes and science classes that students must take. We've lowered pupil-to-teacher ratios,' he said."