Backtalk: Removing artificial barriers to licensure could ease the teacher shortage

Abstract

In this opinion essay, Jori S. Beck argues that current teacher shortages could be mediated by rethinking candidate licensure. She shares various examples of how local, state, and federal policy have prevented talented candidates from earning teacher licensure. She unpacks some of the requirements for licensure, including costs, and discusses actionable steps that could be taken by state and federal government agencies to support teacher licensure.