How are schools across the nation faring now that school is back in session? Is life in school back to normal or are there still looming effects caused by the pandemic? We've all heard of teacher and staff shortages and parents pulling kids from public school because of curriculum issues. It seems, schools are stressed.
According to a 2020 survey conducted by teachers' union, the National Education Association, 55% of educators are thinking about leaving the profession earlier than they planned. But its not just teachers, according to the teachers union everyone from janitors to bus drivers to cooks are looking for a way out.
5 Things Sunday host James Brown sat down with USA TODAY education reporter Alia Wong and Sydney Boyega, a Texas teacher who inspired this episode, to try to understand what is happening in schools.
According to Boyega, there is a lot of misconceptions about teachers. She said people think because they went to a K-12 school that teaching is easy. She compares that to saying you can direct the movie 'Star Wars' just because you've watched it a couple of times.
Follow James Brown and Alia Wong on Twitter.
For more on the teacher shortages and how education in being impacted read:
Teacher shortage 2020: Charts, maps show the data by state.
Biden, job search companies partner to take on teacher shortage.
Schools wouldn't have teacher shortages if they helped, supported them - USA TODAY.
Middle school science teachers often struggle with shaky scientific knowledge.
Teacher shortage affects these disadvantaged students the most.
What we know about teacher shortages in the US.
School counselor shortage hurts students with anxiety, depression - USA TODAY.
If you have a comment about the show or a question or topic you'd like us to discuss, send James Brown an email at jabrown@usatoday.com or podcasts@usatoday.com. You can also leave him a voicemail at 585-484-0339. We might have you on the show.
Episode Transcript available here
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