Report: California Teacher Shortage Persists

The San Jose Mercury News (12/26) reported, "California's teaching work force is running on empty, according to a new report by the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning. The report – 'California's Teaching Force 2010: Key Issues and Trends' -- says the number of public schoolteachers has reached a decade low in the state, and the job is getting less attractive amid state budget cuts. The budget problems have boosted class sizes, interfered with teacher training and reduced support from school counselors, nurses and aides, according to the report. 'The disinvestment in building a top quality teacher work force is at odds with rising demands for students' academic success,' Margaret Gaston, president and executive director of the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning, said in a news release."