Indicators 2026: Teacher shortage is not the same in every classroom

WILKES-BARRE — Discussions of local teacher shortages can make the issue seem simple — schools need more teachers. A closer look at the data, however, reveals a more complicated picture. Some positions and subject areas are more difficult to fill than others, and those shortages can leave schools struggling to provide students with the specialized instruction and services they need. Across Pennsylvania, Jill Avery-Stoss, president and CEO of The Institute, said the greatest teacher shortages are found in areas including special education, English as a second language, science, mathematics, and vocational subjects. She said this is particularly important because staffing shortages do not affect all schools equally. Avery-Stoss said urban, low-income, and high-minority schools are disproportionately affected and rely more heavily on uncertified teachers. These disparities are evident here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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