Faculty Supply And Demand In Education

Abstract

To obtain a snapshot of current faculty supply and demand in education, a survey was distributed to the 752 American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education institutions; 408 were returned. The survey asked for vacancies, applicants, failed searches, minority hires, and reasons for shortages for 1997 to 1998 and 1998 to 1999. Vacancies averaged 4.0 per institution; applicants, 14.2 per opening. Openings increased by 34%; applicants decreased by 19%. Failed searches averaged 25%. Minority hires totaled 21.1%. Areas of need included early childhood, elementary, library, mathematics, reading, and special education. Reasons for shortages included other educational institutions attracting candidates (73%) and higher salaries in K-12 (72%). No significant differences were found for institutional size, type, or sponsor. Conclusions include: (a) demand is greater than supply; (b) shortages are more critical in some areas; (c) minority hires may be increasing; and (d) other educational institutions and K-12 salaries are drawing applicants.