We're excited to welcome back Professor Robert Strauss to the podcast!

In this episode he joins host David Hardy to discuss teacher retention and its significant challenges in Pennsylvania, with Professor Strauss highlighting the history of teacher preparation programs and the difficulties in hiring and retaining teachers.

Later they discuss the barriers in recruiting and retaining teachers of color, emphasizing the need for solutions. Professor Strauss also emphasizes the need for reform in teacher certification, citing low passing scores on standardized tests and a mismatch between certified teachers and available positions.

Finally, the conversation touches on the decline of public education, erosion of trust, and rise of charter schools, as well as the challenges of school choice, including resistance from teachers unions.