Bridging the Gap: Addressing the Shortage of Teachers Guiding Kids into the Real World

What´s driving the teacher shortages?

The United States is facing a critical teacher shortage, a challenge more extensive than previously anticipated. This isn’t just a staffing problem, it’s a big challenge for the quality of education and how well students are prepared for the future.

One key driver of the shortage is the declining interest in teaching as a career. Fewer individuals are pursuing teaching degrees, creating a narrowing pipeline of qualified educators. As a result, schools are struggling to meet student needs, and many children are missing out on opportunities to acquire essential skills for higher education and future careers.

This white paper explores the main causes of teacher shortage, its impact on education and student preparedness, and how HOKALI proposals may provide actionable solutions to address these challenges; providing opportunities for continual professional growth and commitment to providing quality education and an enriching learning environment.

Key Statistics

• 86% of public schools struggle to hire educators
• Studies place the current teacher shortage at 55,000 vacant positions and an additional 270,000 teaching posts currently filled by underqualified teachers
• Less than 2 in 10 teachers are satisfied with their jobs
• 51,000 teachers quit their jobs in the United States during 2023
• 62% of teachers don’t want their children to become teachers
• Less than 50% of current teachers recommend this career to younger generations
• UNESCO estimates that 69 million additional teachers will be needed by 2030 to meet global educational demands.

Exploring the causes and consequences of a teacher shortage

• Schools struggle to find and retain highly qualified individuals to teach, which is tougher in high-poverty schools.
• Low teacher pay reduces the attractiveness of teaching jobs and is an even bigger problem in high-poverty schools.
• The tough school environment is demoralizing to teachers, especially so in high-poverty schools.

How this impact on children: preparing them for the real world

• Fewer opportunities for hands-on, extracurricular activities.
• A growing gap between classroom learning and real-world demands.
• Schools may hire less qualified or substitute teachers to fill vacant positions, which can affect the quality of instruction.
• These teachers may lack the experience or certifications needed to teach effectively, leading to student knowledge gaps.
• Subjects like art, music, and advanced courses may be reduced or eliminated in schools with teacher shortages. Students miss out on valuable learning experiences in these areas, which can limit their growth and interests.

HOKALI as Part of the Solution: How can we tackle the teacher shortage?

We are committed to tackling the teacher shortage by empowering educators and creating meaningful solutions that benefit teachers and students.

At HOKALI, we offer opportunities for continual professional growth, ensuring that instructors remain inspired and equipped with the tools needed to succeed. We are committed to providing quality education and an enriching learning environment that aligns with the needs of both educators and students. By streamlining administrative tasks and simplifying program management, we enable teachers to focus on what they do best: inspiring and educating the next generation.

HOKALI also addresses this challenge by bridging the gap between traditional teaching environments and real-world experiences. Our instructors often work outside of conventional school settings, bringing diverse expertise and perspectives that enrich student learning. This unique approach allows schools to supplement their existing resources with skilled professionals who can guide students toward success in an evolving world.

Supported by over 350 highly qualified and certified instructors, our programs maintain a near-perfect safety record, reflecting our commitment to quality and care. With certifications and accreditations that meet the top industry standards, we ensure both the education and the environment we offer are of exceptional excellence.

HOKALI also helps alleviate the pressure on schools while ensuring students receive the quality instruction they deserve. After-school activities provide children with the opportunity to explore new skills, build confidence, and foster creativity, all while enhancing their social, emotional, and cognitive development in a fun and engaging environment.