School Districts Across Arkansas Search for Certified Teachers
April 7, 2021
By Madison Hartley
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – A recent report conducted by the The New Teacher Project, or TNTP, found Arkansas’ rate of uncertified teachers more than double that of the national average, sitting at 4% compared to 1.7%.
The report noted that the teacher shortage in Arkansas isn’t new, but the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t helped the issue. Posting the report, The Walton Family Foundation encourages the state to take steps to addressing the shortage.
“Especially given the devasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, it has never been more important to get an effective, qualified teacher in every Arkansas classroom.”
TNTP gave ideas to reverse the shortages, which are highest in rural districts. The studie’s three main reasons for the lack of certified staff include:
