STEM Educators Report Shortage of STEM Faculty in Their Schools

New findings released today indicate a shortage of STEM faculty in high schools and middle schools.

The findings were part of a survey of STEM educators conducted by Samsung as part of its Solve for Tomorrow program. More than 400 educators involved in STEM were polled for the survey, 94% of which had primary responsibility for teaching STEM.

Among those, 65% said that their school "is experiencing a shortage of STEM faculty, with 13% indicating that it’s a severe issue," according to the report, titled The State of STEM Education. "Probing the challenges of teaching STEM classes today versus other subjects, the majority of respondents (59%) reported that, 'STEM education is challenging — but it also offers unique rewards in terms of encouraging student curiosity and motivation.' At the same time, fewer than 8% felt that remote learning took a heavier toll on STEM education than on other disciplines."

“Through our work on Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung has seen just how critical STEM Teachers are to ensuring the future of STEM education — and a vibrant STEM workforce,” said Ann Woo, director of corporate citizenship for Samsung North America, in a prepared statement. “Society at large needs to listen to and understand the concerns of these dedicated educators: Innovation and progress depend on the fruits of their hard work. We hope the insights from The State of STEM Education will contribute to making sure our communities continue to provide what STEM educators need to thrive."

Other findings from the survey included:

  • 65% of respondents indicated that their local school boards and communities generally support STEM or that "the success of the STEM program has been a 'solid positive' with the community.

  • 44% indicated that project-based learning "has been broadly effective in engaging their classes and sparking interest in STEM careers."

  • 44% said "PBL is a great equalizer, helping students who have had a hard time in STEM classes 'get it,' while also letting STEM naturals stretch their wings."

  • 74% said STEM education offers a "valuable contribution to our education mission."

  • 53% said STEM is a "doorway to tomorrow's opportunity for a diverse student cadre."

  • 60% indicated they feel respected by students.

  • 60% also said they feel "energized by students' enthusiasm for STEM."

  • 41% said they are underpaid.

  • 26% of respondents said they feel "burned out."

Further details about Solve for Tomorrow can be found at samsung.com.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • classroom scene with students gathered around a laptop showing a virtual tour interface

    Discovery Education Announces Spring Lineup of Free Virtual Field Trips

    This Spring, Discovery Education is collaborating with partners such as Warner Bros., DC Comics, National Science Foundation, NBA, and more to present a series of free virtual field trips for K-12 students.

  • glowing padlock shape integrated into a network of interconnected neon-blue lines and digital nodes, set against a soft, blurred geometric background

    3 in 4 Administrators Expect a Security Incident to Impact Their School This Year

    In an annual survey from education identity platform Clever, 74% of administrators admitted that they believe a security incident is likely to impact their school system in the coming year. That's up from 71% who said the same last year.

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.