New York State Unified Teachers is trying to entice people to go into the teaching profession.
NYSUT estimates about 180,000 teaching positions will be available in the next five years across the state due to retirement.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer as to why there's a shortage, but some teachers we talked with say there are rigorous education requirements, and it's a difficult process to obtain New York State certification. According to NYSUT, enrollment in New York's teacher education program has declined 47 percent since 2009. Many universities are suspending teacher education programs due to lack of interest.
Interestingly though, Canisius College says it's seeing an uptik in students applying to its School of Education.
NYSUT held a "Take a Look at Teaching Summit" at Kenmore Middle School Thursday, inviting students, teachers, state legislators and college professors to have an open conversation about how to inspire the next generation of teachers and help diversify the profession.
