Solving the Shortage of Mathematics and Science Teachers

Present shortages of mathematics and science teachers in secondary schools are not a new phenomenon. Such shortages have been present for at least 40 years, with only the magnitude of the shortages fluctuating. Nor is the cause of the shortages a new phenomenon. Just as school salary policy, with its reliance on the single salary schedule, has not provided competitive salaries for mathematics and science specialists in the past, it continues to create a shortfall in the number of qualified mathematics and science personnel willing to take teacher training and offer their services to schools. It is only by providing special increments to attract mathematics and science specialists that a long-term solution can be effected. Schools can accommodate such a change in policy through careful and systematic planning. Both the state and federal governments have roles to play in assisting schools to formulate salary policies that will attract adequate numbers of qualified teachers for all openings.