ÌÇÐ͝Âþvlog

Recruitment & Retention Video

What’s Behind the School Staffing Shortages – And What Districts Can Do To Address Them

By Jaclyn Borowski & Mark Lieberman — September 23, 2021 4:03
A sign advertises for school bus drivers outside Norris Middle School in Omaha, Neb., on July 29, 2020.
Email Copy URL

Across the country, school districts are facing a shortage of bus drivers, custodians, substitute teachers, cafeteria works, and more. Some of the reasons behind these gaps are specific to the pandemic, while others have been building for some time. All have a direct impact on students. Here, a look at what’s behind these issues, and what districts can do to address them.

Jaclyn Borowski is the Director of Photography and Videography for Education Week.
Mark Lieberman is a reporter for Education Week who covers school finance.

Video

Reading & Literacy Video How Reading Instruction Evolved in 2025, and What’s Ahead
Throughout 2025, Education Week has covered how states and districts are continuing to incorporate new instructional methods and materials.
Anjanette McNeely teaches a reading block with her kindergarten students at Windridge Elementary School in Kaysville, Utah, on Dec. 4, 2025.
Anjanette McNeely teaches a reading block with her kindergarten students at Windridge Elementary School in Kaysville, Utah, on Dec. 4, 2025.
Niki Chan Wylie for Education Week
Reading & Literacy Video What Happens When Middle and High Schoolers Still Struggle to Read?
When it comes to reading, teachers and experts alike say that many older students still struggle with the basics.
1 min read
Students attend Bow Memorial School in Bow, N.H. on Oct. 29, 2025. Bow Memorial School is a middle school that has developed a systematic approach to addressing foundational reading gaps in middle school students.
Students attend Bow Memorial School in Bow, N.H. on Oct. 29, 2025. Bow Memorial School is a middle school that has developed a systematic approach to addressing foundational reading gaps in middle school students.
Sophie Park for Education Week
Special Education Video How This District Teaches Bilingual Students With Dyslexia
Students with dyslexia receive instruction in Spanish or English, depending on their dominant spoken language.
2:28
School & District Management Video The Enemy of Smart, Strategic Spending Decisions in K-12 Districts: Leadership Churn
The EdWeek Research Center surveyed district leaders on the barriers to long-term thinking.