Oklahoma has made gains in recruiting and retaining PK-12 teachers in its workforce. The number of teachers for the 2020-21 school year is 2% higher than in 2012-13. However, the pandemic has dealt a blow to that progress. Oklahoma lost about 600 teachers since last school year, the largest year-over-year drop since 2016-17. To help address the teacher shortage, the Oklahoma State Department of Education has partnered with the national nonprofit TEACH to launch a new Public Service Announcement that celebrates current teachers and inspires others to become teachers. “The Future Depends on Teachers” was developed to elevate the teaching profession and address the teacher shortage. “We must spotlight our educators and provide more opportunities for talented individuals to join the noblest profession,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “Despite the challenges that teaching in the time of COVID-19 has thrust upon them, teachers are innovating and rising to meet this new reality head-on.”
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