The Oklahoman recently published an editorial calling for creative solutions to the Oklahoma teacher shortage. The state currently has about 1,000 teacher vacancies. That’s even after the state eliminated 600 teaching jobs during the last school year. The state has seen large rallies over the past couple of years. Protestors decried the fact that Oklahoma ranks near the bottom nationally in average salary for teachers. Last year, the state legislature cut the budget for most agencies, while keeping the state’s common education budget flat.
The Oklahoman noted, “flexibility and creativity are needed in this discussion.” The editorial added, “it's important that this be a discussion among stakeholders, instead of a shouting match.”