Addressing Teacher Shortages in the COVID-19 Landscape: Viewing Teacher Candidates as Assets

Abstract

COVID-19 continues to impose dire consequences on all sectors of our public education system Many students, particularly those from vulnerable populations, are receiving reduced amounts of direct instruction and are experiencing significant losses in learning At the same time, educator preparation programs (EPPs) are struggling to ensure that teacher candidates have ample opportunities to apply their newly acquired pedagogical skills in high quality clinical placements In this article, we describe and provide exemplars as to how teacher candidates can serve as assets to school districts as they complete their field placements We also offer specific strategies and practices for EPPs and school districts to maximize the productive and efficient integration of teacher candidates in both virtual and in-person environments