Solving teacher shortages: It’s not just pay

Solving teacher shortages: It’s not just pay

Author: Ethical Schools August 15, 2023 Duration: 34:00

Drs. Katherine Norris and  Kathryn Wiley, colleagues at Howard University’s School of Education, speak about obstacles to recruiting and retaining teachers and increasing diversity. Money matters, but even more, so does ending discrimination. “Racial battle fatigue” is pervasive among Black teachers.

Overview

00:00-00:58 Intros
00:58-02:44 Factors contributing to teacher shortage
02:44-08:15 American Teacher Act: what’s in it and what’s not
08:15-10:56 Adopting the DC social studies standards; overcoming pushback
10:56-13:06 History of curriculum battles, “Color in the Classroom: How American Schools Taught Race,” by Zoe Berkholder
13:06-17:39 Acute shortage of Black teachers
17:39-21:59 Brian Jones’s criticism of Geoffrey Canada around charter schools
21:59-26:13 Derek Black’s analysis of the attack on public education as such; importance of public schools as a necessity for democracy and as a place students have a right to be
26:13-28:05 What is needed to get bills like American Teacher Act expanded and passed
28:05-28:57 Scarcity of Black administrators and their importance
28:57-29:46 Need to end workplace discrimination and the need to support teachers
29:46-30:22 Teaching Profession Playbook as a resource
30:22- Outro

Transcript

Click here to see the full transcription of this episode. 

References


Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

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