Districts are keeping more teachers as a result of their recruitment and retention efforts. However, there’s still work to be done.
Sixty-one percent of districts are currently experiencing teacher shortages, according to new research from Frontline Education, a school administration software provider. Although levels remain elevated, there has been a sizeable improvement from 2024 when 81% of districts reported shortages.
The issue is more prevalent in suburban (68%) and rural areas (63%) than in urban (57%) districts. Special education, transportation and math continue to be heavily impacted by vacancies.
Superintendents also identified pay/benefits (55%) and student behavior support (27%) as the greatest threats to staff retention.
However, leaders say recruiting is not as challenging as it was two years ago. This is true in districts using AI for applicant screening, interviewing, credential tracking and substitute management.
District leaders are also taking proactive approaches to recruitment and retention. According to the research, these are the 10 supportive solutions being added in districts this year:
- Employee wellness or assistance programs: 37%
- Coaching/mentoring programs: 35%
- Targeted professional learning or career pathways: 30%
- AI or tech tools to reduce administrative burden: 26%
- Additional support staff: 26%
- Stress management or wellness-focused PD: 25%
- Reduced workload or protected prep time: 20%
- No additional supports: 19%
- Smaller class sizes or adjusted schedules: 17%
- Streamlined compliance or documentation: 16%
“District leaders are operating in a more stable environment than they were two years ago, but the margin for error is smaller,” said Chris Collins, chief customer officer at Frontline Education. “The differentiator now is operational clarity and efficiency.”
Other key findings
The report offers insight into how leaders are using AI, addressing absenteeism and more. Here’s a brief look at that data:
- Average chronic absenteeism rate: 18%, a 1% increase from last year.
- Funding pressures continue: 43% of districts report significant funding decreases tied to state or federal legislation.
- AI is improving budget forecasting: 57% of districts using AI for budgeting describe last year’s forecast as “very accurate.”
- Interest in AI remains high: 60% of districts want to use AI. Technology leaders already using AI report higher confidence in providing service and support.
Read the full report here.
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