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Editorial: Address shortage of math teachers

 
Published Oct. 13, 2015

Full credit to Wiregrass Ranch High School principal Robyn White for stepping in to teach statistics and probability after the instructor resigned and she couldn't find a qualified replacement. But the principal has a day job, and her creative answer to her short-term problem hints at the larger issue: Florida needs to do more to attract and keep qualified math and science teachers in the classroom.

As Times staff writer Jeffrey Solochek reported, seven other high schools within 45 minutes of Wiregrass in Pasco County also need math teachers. It's a statewide issue. For all but seven years since 1984, middle and high school math teachers have appeared on the state's "critical shortage" list. There is no one answer. Better pay would motivate some to stay. More respect would entice others. Improved working conditions would help. But in any case, the market is speaking loudly: People who are trained to teach high school math are choosing other careers, often after time in the classroom.

The push for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) won't get very far without qualified instructors in the classroom. State officials who claim to care about education need to face this reality. Or teachers who can do the math will continue to school them on how the market really works.