Summer learning programs are critical for students to maintain academic progress and prevent summer learning loss. However, the National Summer Learning Association reports that students who do not participate in summer learning programs can lose up to two months of progress in math and reading. Despite the importance of summer learning, school leaders face a significant challenge in supporting it due to the current teacher shortage crisis.
The Challenge of Teacher Shortages
According to a report by “teachershortages.com,” there are over 36,000 teaching vacancies in the United States as of March 2023. Moreover, the number of vacancies filled by teachers who are not fully certified is nearly five times that number at approximately 160,000. This makes it challenging for summer programs to hire and retain quality teacher talent. According to the RAND Corporation, effective summer programs need certified district teachers with experience teaching the subject and grade level they plan on instructing over the summer.1
Innovative Strategies to Address Teacher Shortages
While the situation may seem dire, districts can take proactive steps to recruit, support, and retain teachers for summer programs. Some states, like Oregon, allocated millions of dollars in 2022 to invest in summer programs.2 However, districts are still limited in what they can offer due to teacher shortages, and higher wages have yet to move many teachers back into the profession.3 Thus, schools need to explore innovative solutions.
Apprenticeship Programs and High School Assistants
Some districts have started apprenticeship programs for college students and recruiting high school assistants. These apprentices and assistants help lighten the load on already overburdened certified teachers and supplement staffing shortages4. This approach is a win-win: college students gain valuable experience, and schools get additional support.
Plan and Purchase High-Quality Teaching Materials
Another effective strategy schools can try is to plan and purchase high-quality teaching materials well before summer. This approach decreases the amount of planning and prep work teachers must put in to teach over the summer. In addition, having prepared materials will reduce a teacher’s workload and the likelihood of teacher burnout.5
Partnering with Local Community Organizations
Education experts also suggest partnering with local community organizations to support summer learning. By leveraging community resources, like local education nonprofits, established summer programs, and youth groups, districts can provide more opportunities for schools to address teacher shortages creatively. For example, schools can partner with local libraries or community centers to provide access to books and technology, offer internships to high school students, or collaborate with local businesses to provide job shadowing opportunities for teachers and students.
Supporting Effective Summer Programs
Teachers face burnout, given that most districts have been short-staffed all year. This is not only a problem for regular school-year programming but also for summer programs. However, schools can support effective summer programs that benefit both students and teachers by prioritizing hiring certified district teachers, providing adequate planning time and materials, and exploring innovative solutions such as apprenticeship programs and community partnerships.
In conclusion, school leaders should not be discouraged by the teacher shortage but instead encouraged to explore innovative solutions to support summer learning. By doing so, they can provide opportunities for students to maintain academic progress and prevent summer learning loss while also retaining quality teachers. The investment in summer learning programs can significantly impact students’ future success and the school’s long-term health.
