Addressing Workforce Needs

The teacher shortage is a significant issue in the United States. A report by RAND Corporation

found that $23\%$ of teachers said they were likely to leave their jobs by the end of the $2022-2023$

school year $($Doan$,2023).$ Furthermore, By October $2023,86$ percent of U$.$S$.$ K$-12$ public

schools reported challenges hiring teachers for the $2023-24$ school year $($Delarosa$,2023).$

Accelerated master's programs in education can help address workforce needs by preparing

graduates for high$-$demand roles in education. These programs equip students with the skills and

qualifications needed to meet the evolving demands of the education field. This alignment with

workforce needs can enhance the career prospects of graduates and contribute to the overall

quality of education.

Conclusions and Recommendations

For students to be able to "Choose their adventure at Iowa State," Iowa State University needs to

continue to expand and provide relevant programs that align with the workforce needs. All of the

research done in this project supports the addition of an accelerated master's program for

education students.

The research done for this project shows examples of successful, similar accelerated programs

already implemented at other universities. There is a need for more teachers in the workforce

because many current teachers want to leave their jobs soon. Not only would this program put

more teachers in schools, but it would also raise their salaries right out of school.

To ensure a successful addition of a $4+1$ master's in education program, EKSTT recommends the

following:

Iowa State should start by educating and surveying students about master's

programs.

Educate students on the importance of an education master's degree.

Have the College of Education department send emails with information about

master's programs that are offered and could be offered for future educators.

Survey each education undergraduate and graduate student at Iowa State through

email or advising appointments.

After surveys have been taken, Iowa State should determine what programs will be

offered.

Explore curriculum options to allow students to complete a $4+1$ program.

Choose what master's programs are most common for educators to receive.

Survey colleges that have already implemented this type of program into their

curriculum.