- Teacher shortages continue to affect New Jersey’s K-12 public schools.
- Gov. Phil Murphy signed an Executive Order to organize a “Task Force” to address the problem.
- Murphy’s announcement came at the NJEA Convention, the largest teacher’s union who contributes toward his campaign.
- Advocates blame low wages for this teacher shortage mostly affecting special education, science, math, ESL, and bilingual education.
Governor Phil Murphy will put together a 25 member “Task Force” to address the teacher shortages facing New Jersey’s school districts.
Executive Order NO. 309 aims to increase teacher applicants and retention status.
Gov. Murphy made his announcement at the annual New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Convention in November 2022. The NJEA donates funds to the governor’s nonprofit Garden State Forward whose mission is to advocate for, “strong public schools and progress” (www.gardenstateforward.org).
Four NJEA members will have secured seats on the force.
One major contributing factor of the 63 percent drop of teacher candidates enrolled in a preparation program in 2018 is low wages. In 2020-2021, the median Classroom Teachers salary was $72,515 according to NJDOE Data & Reports.
FY2023 budget funds have not been allocated toward this problem facing K-12 education although the school funding formula has increased $650 million.
Rather, a proposed solution to the conundrum is to reduce certification costs and testing requirements.
