Teachers continue to leave the profession in droves and I don't see an end in sight. That means larger classes and teachers who don't always have the expertise they need to support our youth in the way they deserve.

This week on the podcast, I'm calling you to action! I'm sharing some of the current events and challenges around our present teacher shortage--how it's impacting schools and children, why it's happening, and what we can do to prevent it.

It's time for teachers across the country (and globe!) to stand up for what they know is best: more autonomy in the classroom, fair pay, and the expectation of excellence…not excess and constantly going above and beyond.

Are you on board?

Jump in the Conversation:

• [1:08] - Schools aren't working for students OR teachers
• [1:41] - We're not acknowledging we have a shortage
• [2:57] - Seattle school teacher strikes delayed the school year
• [3:49] - Unpacking the crisis
• [5:00] - No certified math teachers in Bullock County public middle schools
• [5:30] - We can't rely on willpower and pushing through
• [6:06] - Teachers don't get to intentionally design their environment
• [6:32] - Work and play need to be optimized in separate spaces
• [6:55] - Limit the things that make reaching goals more difficult
• [7:48] - Teachers work too many hours
• [8:40] - Teachers as heroes myth
• [10:22] - Question why we go above and beyond
• [11:09] - Where can we start

Links & Resources

• Willpower Doesn't Work by Benjamin Hardy
• The Report: A newsletter from The Hechinger Report
• CNN: Seattle teachers vote to officially end strike that had delayed start of the school year
• CNN: Teachers are leaving and few want to join the field. Experts are sounding the alarm
• Email Maureen

• Maureen's TEDx: Changing My Mind to Change Our Schools

• The Education Evolution
• Facebook: Follow Education Evolution
• Twitter: Follow Education Evolution
• LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution
• EdActive Collective
• Maureen's book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids

• Micro-school feature on Good Morning America
• The Micro-School Coalition
• Facebook: The Micro-School Coalition
• LEADPrep