Ambitious and Sustainable Post-pandemic Workplace Design for Teachers: A Portrait of the Arizona Teacher Workforce

R. Lennon Audrain, Andrea E. Weinberg, Ashley Bennett, Joseph O’Reilly, Carole G. Basile

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The professional lives of teachers are in an incredible upheaval as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has potential implications for the teaching profession and the workforce. The ambiguity of what schools will look like in the future and growing disparities of children have teachers concerned that their jobs are more untenable than ever before. In this chapter, we examine the teaching workforce year into the pandemic. We focus specifically on Arizona and explore whether teachers stayed in the profession or exited during this time of uncertainty. Our analysis suggests that, to date, the pandemic has not had a significant impact on an already dire labor market in Arizona-classroom vacancies and teaching positions filled by under-qualified individuals were no higher in January 2021 than in January 2020. We conclude by arguing that, while focusing teacher recruitment may seem like a viable solution, it alone is insufficient. Rather, in a post-pandemic world, we must build new structures that increase teacher coordination and collaboration that leverage the expertise of all educators, ultimately leading to better working and workplace conditions. This critical examination begins to shed light on teaching, learning, and the preparation for both as we move to a post-pandemic future.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPrimary and Secondary Education During Covid-19
Subtitle of host publicationDisruptions to Educational Opportunity During a Pandemic
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages353-381
Number of pages29
ISBN (Electronic)9783030815004
ISBN (Print)9783030814991
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Ambitious and Sustainable Post-pandemic Workplace Design for Teachers: A Portrait of the Arizona Teacher Workforce'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this