Past and projected trends in teacher demand and supply in Michigan

Will there be a sufficient number of teachers certified in the areas needed to meet future demands? That is the question education leaders in Michigan asked. Researchers from the Midwest Regional Education Laboratory (REL) examined data from the 2013/14 -2017/18 school years to identify trends in teacher demand and supply, and in shortages and surpluses. While Michigan schools saw an overall student enrollment decline of 3 percent, English learner enrollment increased by 27 percent in the same period. This comprehensive study showed that the number of full-time equivalent teachers also declined during the same period; the teacher workforce declined overall by 2 percent. While there were teacher shortages in some specialty areas in some regions of the state during 2013/14 -2017/18, the researchers concluded that the total active teacher supply in Michigan public schools is projected to meet demand between 2018/19 and 2022/23.