Past and projected trends in teacher demand and supply in Michigan

A new REL Midwest report analyzes trends in teacher demand, supply, and shortages in Michigan between 2013/14 and 2017/18 and projects shortages and surpluses between 2018/19 and 2022/23. Trends were examined by subject area, region, district locale, and district average teacher salary. The study found that total enrollment in Michigan public schools declined by 3 percent between 2013/14 and 2017/18, while enrollment of English learner students increased by 27 percent. Over the same period, the size of the teacher workforce declined by 2 percent, and the number of newly certified active teachers declined by 23 percent. Some subject areas (particularly business education and career and technical education) and regions of the state (Upper Peninsula and Northwest) are projected to see teacher shortages between 2018/19 and 2022/23.