The Teacher Shortage Crisis

Auteur(s): Trina English Jessica Martin Amanda Werner
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  • Résumé

  • Even before the pandemic lock-downs, American teachers from sea to shining sea reported a critical shortage of teachers within their ranks, and have watched in horror at the crippling levels of greed, arrogance, apathy, and ignorance at every level of K-12 educational governance.While embattled teachers have continued to try in vain to draw attention to the issues, our leaders have failed to acknowledge the problems at all. But since covid, the nation’s teachers have borne witness to a break neck hastening pace of this downward spiral–and a total avoidance of a conversation from our leaders.


    This a-political podcast, created and produced exclusively by teachers, gets into the nitty gritty details of why teachers are leaving the profession in droves, and uncovers huge contributing structural problems baked into the teaching profession which are not discussed or understood even within the K-12 educational world, which also explain why so much of what is done in K-12 is ineffective. These desperate, passionate, highly qualified teachers use this podcast series to insert teachers forcefully into the national conversation about the critical issues plaguing K-12 education, because no one else was letting them in–a fact which belies a central thesis about the roots of the problems discussed throughout the episodes. Listeners will be gripped by the reality that without substantial reforms which empower teachers to lead the work, the inevitable result is a collapse of our very ability to effectively self-govern–a process which they argue is already well underway.


    Listen as they describe the problems in teacher pay, teacher preparation requirements, special education, climate and culture, reading instruction, the false promise of existing DEI based frameworks in K-12, and the problems inherent in outsourced canned curriculums. Become a part of the solution as they outline a framework to authentically fix these problems, which require all hands on deck from both inside and outside of K-12 education.
    © 2025 The Teacher Shortage Crisis
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Épisodes
  • 25. Part II: Real Talk--A Discussion with Manuwella Allen:Why She Left The Field After 20 Years

    25. Part II: Real Talk--A Discussion with Manuwella Allen:Why She Left The Field After 20 Years
    Jan 3 2025

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    In this episode of the Teacher Shortage Crisis Podcast, co-host Trina welcomes Manuwella ("Mani") Allen, a former special education teacher with over 20 years of experience, to discuss the unique challenges and insights of the special education field. Recorded just before the 2024 school year, Manny shares her profound experiences and the struggles she faced while working with students of varying disabilities in a moderate to severe special day class.

    The conversation covers the complexities of balancing the needs of medically fragile, emotionally disturbed, and intellectually disabled students in one classroom. Mani recounts the physical, emotional, and spiritual tolls of the job, emphasizing the burnout that comes from always prioritizing students' needs over administrative and systemic demands.

    Key topics include the burdensome and often superficial IEP (Individualized Education Program) processes, inadequate support and training for paraprofessionals, and the systemic flaws in how special education is managed and executed in schools. Mani also touches on the challenges new special education teachers face, the administrative pressures to downplay students' needs, and the emotional resilience required to continue advocating for students in a broken system.

    Mani's story is both inspiring and sobering, shedding light on the critical yet often underappreciated role of special education teachers. She offers advice for parents navigating the IEP process and stresses the importance of finding supportive connections within the educational community.

    The episode concludes with a call to action for educators, parents, and policymakers to recognize and address the dire state of special education to support these essential educators and their students better.

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    58 min
  • 20. "The Right to Read"--a Reaction Episode with Amanda, Janet, Jess, and Trina

    20. "The Right to Read"--a Reaction Episode with Amanda, Janet, Jess, and Trina
    Jan 3 2025

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    In this episode, we are joined once again by Janet Nasir, who shares her insightful experiences and reactions to Kareem Weaver's impactful film, "The Right to Read." The discussion opens with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Janet’s admirable work and dedication to the field of education.

    The conversation dives into the critical themes of the documentary, exploring the longstanding issue of literacy in America. Janet and the hosts discuss the inadequate preparation provided to teachers, the flaws in current curriculums, and the significant shifts occurring, particularly with the Science of Reading movement. Janet shares her district's efforts involving science of reading training and its impacts.

    Particularly poignant moments from the film are analyzed, such as the transformation of students under effective literacy instruction and the challenges faced by families moving between states with varying educational standards. The inefficacy of curriculums and the evolving steps taken by districts to align with scientifically based reading instruction are discussed in depth.

    The hosts and guests highlight the role of social justice in literacy, touching on the historical context and systemic issues that continue to affect educational equity. They critically analyze the influence of commercial interests in educational materials, including the controversial stance of figures like Lucy Calkins.

    Finally, the episode concludes with reflections on the broader implications for the education system and the crucial need for comprehensive teacher-led reforms. The necessity of quality early reading education, the misuse of technology in reading instruction, and the pursuit of genuine educational equity through informed and courageous action are reiterated as key takeaways.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
    03:14 Initial Reactions to 'The Right to Read'
    04:57 Personal Reflections and Experiences
    08:34 Challenges in Literacy Education
    13:46 Parental Involvement and Early Literacy
    23:19 Systemic Issues in Education
    39:36 Reflecting on the Documentary's Relevance Today
    40:20 Curriculum and Phonics Instruction'
    42:28 Challenges in Implementing New Programs
    44:23 The Importance of Foundational Skills
    48:12 Assessment Data and Its Reliability
    58:44 The Role of Teachers and Structural Issues
    01:03:00 Social Justice and Literacy
    01:07:10 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    Topics/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    The Right to Read Documentary (free to watch with ads)

    Scarborough's Rope

    Interview with Janet Nasir

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    1 h et 19 min
  • 24. Introduction to the Special Education Mess (Part II)

    24. Introduction to the Special Education Mess (Part II)
    Jan 1 2025

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    In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities and challenges faced by special education within the K-12 education system, particularly in the context of the national teacher shortage crisis. This introductory discussion highlights the multifaceted issues causing a significant shortage of highly qualified special education (SPED) teachers, the bureaucratic hurdles, and the ethical dilemmas involved.

    Key Points:

    1. Scope of the Issue: Special education's crucial role and how its dysfunction affects everyone.
    2. Factors Contributing to Shortage: Discusses low pay, credentialing requirements, and lack of teacher autonomy.
    3. Perverted Terms: The misuse of key educational terms to reduce the need for special education services.
    4. Civil Rights History: Acknowledging the historical civil rights challenges that led to the current laws.
    5. Roles and Responsibilities: Detailed look into the overwhelming roles of SPED teachers and the extensive legal and administrative challenges they face, including IEP meetings and assessment processes.
    6. Emotional and Ethical Impact: The burnout and ethical compromises faced by SPED teachers in their attempts to support students.
    7. Legal and Administrative Barriers: Explanation of the convoluted process for getting a child assessed and the intentional bureaucratic delays.
    8. Classifications of Disabilities: Overview of categories within special education and the corresponding services.
    9. Future Discussions: Previews in-depth conversations with veteran SPED teachers for nuanced insights.

    This episode sets the stage for an ongoing, honest discourse about the shortcomings in special education and the systemic changes needed to address them.

    00:00 Introduction to the Special Education Crisis
    00:45 Understanding the SPED Teacher Shortage
    02:00 Misuse of Educational Terms
    03:11 The Role and Challenges of SPED Teachers
    06:54 Legal and Bureaucratic Hurdles
    15:19 Historical Context of Special Education
    25:30 Categories and Services in Special Education
    31:04 Mainstreaming and Inclusion Controversies

    www.teachershortagecrisis.com
    Petition to Save K-12 Schooling and our Precious Democracy!
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    34 min

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