Erica Webber Jones, President of the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE), was recently featured in the Mississippi Business Journal highlighting the severe teacher shortages plaguing schools across the state. According to the Mississippi Department of Education’s 2023-24 Educator Shortage survey, over 5,000 vacancies persist among teachers, administrators, and support staff, affecting both urban and rural districts.
In the article, Jones emphasized the systemwide nature of the problem, noting that districts from Desoto County to the Gulf Coast are struggling to fill teaching positions. She cited inadequate wages, lack of professional autonomy, and growing classroom challenges as key factors driving the shortage.
"Every student deserves a quality education," said Jones, calling for legislative and community action to address the shortage and ensure Mississippi students have access to well-supported, qualified educators.
Read the article from the Mississippi Business Journal HERE.
