Addressing the Teacher Shortage through Focused Endorsements

Across the U.S., schools are wrestling with a persistent teacher shortage that affects classroom stability, course offerings and student learning, especially in high-need subjects and communities. Recent national scans show tens of thousands of unfilled teaching positions and millions of students taught by teachers working outside their certified area, creating pressure on principals, paraprofessionals and district budgets. 

When schools can’t fill positions with appropriately-certified teachers, districts often respond by increasing class sizes, hiring under-qualified staff or cutting elective courses, all of which reduce students’ access to high-quality instruction. Shortages are not evenly distributed: rural districts and schools serving large numbers of low-income students and English learners are often hit hardest. The result is lost instructional time, greater costs for recruitment and substitute teachers and setbacks in student achievement. 

Multiple factors converge to make teaching a harder field to staff and retain, such as rising burnout and workload, concerns about student behavior and working conditions, stagnant pay and the aftershock of workforce churn since the pandemic. 

One clear, practical response is expanding access to targeted endorsements and credentialing for current and aspiring teachers. Endorsements let educators add specialized qualifications more quickly than re-licensure routes that require full degree programs.  

Endorsements enable districts to staff high-need roles faster than waiting for new teacher graduates to appear. They allow experienced teachers to pivot into shortage areas without leaving the classroom. They strengthen teacher effectiveness in hard-to-fill subjects, reducing reliance on long-term substitutes and uncertified instructors. 

Concordia University, Nebraska offers online, affordable endorsements and initial teaching certificate options designed to meet precisely these needs. Concordia’s endorsement options include 

• Early Childhood Education,  

• Early Childhood Inclusive Education: Birth to Third Grade Endorsement,  

• English as a Second Language,  

• Instructional Technology Leadership,  

• Principal (Educational Administration),  

• Reading Specialist and 

• Special Education. 

All are available in a flexible online format so working educators can upskill without pausing their careers. 

The teacher shortage is a complex issue, and no single solution will fix it overnight. Addressing challenges like compensation, workload and professional support requires systemic effort. But while those conversations continue, individual educators can take meaningful steps to strengthen their impact and open new opportunities. 

Concordia University, Nebraska’s endorsement programs are designed to make that next step attainable. With fully online options, faith-informed instruction and a focus on practical classroom application, educators can grow their skills without stepping away from their students. Each course is built by experienced faculty who understand the realities of today’s classrooms, ensuring teachers gain tools they can use immediately. 

The national teacher shortage reminds us how vital, challenging and deeply meaningful this profession is. For those called to serve in education, there’s never been a more important time to step forward, grow your credentials and strengthen the future of teaching. 

To explore Concordia University, Nebraska’s online endorsement programs, visit Concordia University, Nebraska’s Endorsements page.