The Alabama State Board of Education highlighted a pressing issue during their recent work session: a significant shortage of fully certified teachers in elementary classrooms across the state. With 800 classrooms lacking a fully certified adult, the board emphasized the impact this has on critical areas such as literacy and numeracy, which are essential for student success.

The discussion revealed that while some classrooms may have emergency-certified or alternative-certified teachers, these do not meet the board's standards for fully staffed classrooms. The presence of substitute teachers further exacerbates the situation, as they are not considered a long-term solution for educational stability.

Board members expressed concern over the current teacher pipeline, noting that while enrollment in higher education institutions is increasing, it is not keeping pace with the demand for qualified educators. This shortage poses a challenge not only for immediate classroom needs but also for the future of education in Alabama.

The board plans to release more detailed information on this issue publicly, aiming to address the teacher shortage and its implications for student learning outcomes. As the state grapples with these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that every classroom is led by a fully certified teacher to support the educational growth of Alabama's children.