Critical Thinking Series

As most narratives suggest, America is suffering from a national teacher shortage. In fact researchers have found that the national k-12 labor market shrank from about 9 percent from March to May of 2020. During the next event in PUSH Excel’s Critical Thinking Series Entitled Redefining America’s Education Agenda, a group of highly distinguished panelists will engage in spirited dialogue in an effort to accomplish the objectives:

**Examine the factors that have significantly contributed to the national teacher shortage from a historical perspective.

**Discuss what we know about teacher shortages nationally and in specific locations and academic subjects.

**Identify barriers to preparing, recruiting and retaining strong and racially diverse teachers.

**Outline what is referred to as the root causes and underlying conditions that ensure that teachers of color remain in the profession.

**Suggest more comprehensive and equitable ways of addressing the shortages.

**Provide policy considerations related to accomplishing equity based objectives relevant to resolving issues around this topic.

Come be a part of the discussion as Dr. Sonya Whitaker, National Director for Educational Policy for PUSH Excel, moderates the following panel:

- Shaun Nelms, Superintendent of Educational Partnership Organization
- Devin Del Palacio - Chairman, National Black Council of School Board Members
- Dr. Tony Sanders - Superintendent, Elgin School District U46
- Dr. Donna Leak - Superintendent CCSD 168 & Vice Chair, Illinois State Board of Education

Hosted by:
Rev Jesse L Jackson, Sr, Founder and President of Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Dr. Julianne Malveaux, President of PUSH Excel
Rev Jannette Wilson, ESQ, National Executive Director of PUSH Excel