Expert urges parents to support educators during ‘catastrophic teacher shortage’

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)- A “catastrophic teacher shortage” reported by The Washington Post, has experts calling for help on the behalf of teachers.

Leelila Strogov, college advisor and founder of AtomicMind, says it’s important to realize what’s actually happening across the country.

“I think one of the most important things that parents need to realize right now is that, you know we’re hearing a lot about a teacher shortage,” she said. “I think what accurately describes the situation, is that schools right now are having recruitment and retention problems.”

Nearly 79 percent of teachers have reported feeling a lack of respect from parents and the public, according to the National Education Association. Strogov said teachers are underappreciated and underpaid and need help.

“Teachers are finding the work less meaningful, less well paid,” Strogov said. “They’re just feeling like they are not appreciated at the level that they want to be.”

The answer to this increasing problem, Strogov says, is cultivating a relationship with your child’s teacher can be as simple as sending an email.

“Especially now that the school year is starting, I think it can start with an email from a parent basically saying, Hi, it’s so good, you know, to know that you are teaching my child,” she said.

Strogov said parents should ask teachers, “Is there anything I can do to help you, what I know is a very stressful time.”

That support reassures teachers within the community, Strogov says, saying the little things make the difference.