Education leaders say teacher vacancy data shows a need for mentorship and professional development

While statewide teaching vacancy rates haven’t seemed to change much in recent years, Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) data indicates that the number of positions filled by teachers with temporary permits and other exemptions has increased as some districts struggle to recruit and retain teachers.

TDOE Assistant Commissioner of Human Capital Brooke Amos gives an update on teaching vacancies at Friday’s State Board of Education meeting. (Screenshot)

According to TDOE Assistant Commissioner of Human Capital Brooke Amos, who gave an overview of the department’s recent Educator Vacancy Report at Friday’s State Board of Education meeting, school districts recently reported a total of 1,434 vacancies, with an average of approximately 10 vacancies per district. In addition, she said, the overall statewide vacancy rate for 2023-24 school year was just under 2 percent. That number was 2.5 percent for vacancies in “critical shortage areas,” such as English as a second language, world languages, special education and pre-K classrooms.

Noting that many districts have had to fill vacancies with the help of endorsement exemptions and temporary permits in recent years, Amos said schools are now working to create more pathways for full licensure moving forward.

“We've seen relatively stable numbers of vacancies within the 1,000-1,400 range, but we are seeing the number of waivers and endorsement exemptions increased by about threefold, and the numbers of permits have increased by about 150 percent over the last three years,” she told the board during her update.

“I will say, in conversation with our district leaders, they are saying that what they are really focusing on right now is how they are able to support those individuals coming in on permits, and what that pathway looks like,” she continued. “One of the things we are thankful for is the work we have done with the board to create a pathway to licensure for those individuals coming in on permits.”

Amos said that most individuals who come into positions on a permit are usually able to transition to a “limited license” within two or three years depending on their effectiveness, moving them to a permanent licensure pathway. She said this appears to follow national trends, as districts across the nation struggle to fill vacancies with fully licensed educators.

Amos said individuals on permits are “less effective in year one as folks might anticipate,” which underscores the critical role of professional development resources, mentorship, and educator preparation programs.

“We do find that individuals on permits, especially in year one, have higher attrition than other individuals in the workforce. I think one of the things that we are cognizant of is that it is a local decision at that point, whether the individual is paired with a mentor. We also know that individuals paired with a mentor have a greater likelihood of retention,” Amos said.

To take a full look at vacancy data in the state or to view the full meeting, visit www.tn.gov.