Why is there a shortage of public school teachers in New York City?

Question

From what I heard, the salaries are high and there are plenty of incentives but there is still a shortage.

I live in NYC and have been a student at the public schools since kindergarten up through 12th grade.

Answer 1

I signed up to do my student teaching in Queens and it was so horrible I left after a week and a half.
- The teacher kept telling me to be mean, mean, mean. Students don't respond unless you are mean. I didn't become a teacher so I could be mean.

- The schools are very over crowded. We had 30 desks and 35 students in the class. Some kids had no place to sit and there was no room in the room for more desks.

-The teacher handed out books one day, the next day she yelled at some kids for not having their books. She didn't care about the fact that she never gave them a book! The day before she didn't have enough for everyone.

- The school didn't have art class, and just got a gym teacher that year.

I felt so bad for the students but I couldn't handle the teacher, I didn't want to learn how to be mean.
I ended up student teaching in Manhasset, and if anyone knows about Long Island, Manhasset is a very well off school district. There was a huge difference.

Answer 2

Just a guess, but if NYC is anything like St. Louis, the public school system is so messed up that no one wants to teach there. The students that attend the public schools in STL are, for the most part, from low-income, transient homes. The parents don't value education so the students don't either. Teachers are treated badly by the students and not supported by the administrations. And, when the students don't 'pass' the arbitrary test the Dept. of Ed has decreed the students must take, the teachers are told once again that they must work harder and longer to make sure "no child is left behind". Plus I don't think as many people are going into education in the first place so those who do have their pick of positions. Education is not a respected profession in our society, hence "those who can't do, teach".

Answer 3

While teaching in NYC may be difficult, it is also a case of suppy and demand. Many teachers are retiring, and not enough teachers are currently being trained to replace those who are leaving. This is a growing problem across North America (both Canada and the United States).

Answer 4

Now from what I heard, just the opposite,
Low salaries.
I have a cousin and a friend whom both are teachers on the Island and they don't get paid enough.

Answer 5

Ever been to NYC?