State's teacher shortage appears to be easing

Physics, math and special ed vacancies remain difficult to fill

By Liz Bowie
November 4, 2008

Maryland's perennial teacher shortage may be easing for the first time in several years, a result of increased emphasis on producing better-trained teachers from the state's colleges and universities and a steady enrollment trend, according to state officials.

And state educators predict the trend will continue because of a worsening economy.

"Guess what one of the recession-proof professions is?" said Donna L. Wiseman, dean of the College of Education at the University of Maryland, College Park. "Teacher shortages always shrink during recessions."

Despite the improvement, schools remain in need of special education, math, chemistry, physics and foreign language teachers. The state has designated those as shortage areas in its report released Friday.

Baltimore Sun