Recruitment & Retention Video

What’s Behind the School Staffing Shortages – And What Districts Can Do To Address Them

By Jaclyn Borowski & Mark Lieberman — September 23, 2021 4:03
A sign advertises for school bus drivers outside Norris Middle School in Omaha, Neb., on July 29, 2020.

Across the country, school districts are facing a shortage of bus drivers, custodians, substitute teachers, cafeteria works, and more. Some of the reasons behind these gaps are specific to the pandemic, while others have been building for some time. All have a direct impact on students. Here, a look at what’s behind these issues, and what districts can do to address them.

Jaclyn Borowski is the Director of Photography and Videography for Education Week.
Mark Lieberman is a reporter for Education Week who covers school finance.

Video

School & District Management Video Meet the 2026 Superintendent of the Year
A Texas schools chief says his leadership is inspired by his own difficulties in school.
Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens speaks after being announced as AASA National Superintendent of the Year in Nashville, Tenn. on Feb. 12, 2026.
Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens speaks after being announced as AASA National Superintendent of the Year in Nashville, Tenn. on Feb. 12, 2026.
Kaylee Domzalski/Education Week
Student Well-Being & Movement Video How This District Is Shrinking Students’ Screen Time—After the School Day Ends
Engagement navigators in this district help students take advantage of the many available extracurriculars.
Natalie Marshall chats with a North Central High School student athlete on a field trip to Glover Middle School on Dec. 4, 2025.
Natalie Marshall chats with a North Central High School student athlete on a field trip to Glover Middle School on Dec. 4, 2025.
Kaylee Domzalski/Education Week
Artificial Intelligence Video Is the ‘AI Glow’ Starting to Wear Off? What to Expect in 2026
Artificial intelligence is now integrated into a wide variety of products and services that K-12 schools use, making it almost inescapable.
1 min read
English teacher Casey Cuny reads in his classroom as a screen displays guidelines for using artificial intelligence at Valencia High School in Santa Clarita, Calif., on Aug. 27, 2025.
English teacher Casey Cuny reads in his classroom as a screen displays guidelines for using artificial intelligence at Valencia High School in Santa Clarita, Calif., on Aug. 27, 2025.
Jae C. Hong/AP
Education Funding Video School Funding: The 3 Big Questions to Watch in 2026
2025 was a disruptive year for school funding, here's what we're anticipating in the year ahead.
Illustration in blue of huge hands holding money as silhouette people run towards it.
iStock/Getty