As we grew up, other than our parents and perhaps our grandparents, it was the teachers and coaches that molded and shaped our early lives. From elementary school to middle school and high school, they were an integral part of our growth.

Where would we be without teachers? Many teachers and coaches made a lasting impact as we headed toward adulthood.

They play an essential role in our society and communities.

Unfortunately we are losing this valuable commodity at an alarming rate. And this could become even more of a crisis if the trend continues. There may not be enough educators to meet the educational needs of students. The teacher shortage is a growing problem.

Many college students are not majoring in the teaching profession as they did in the past.

Public school teacher wages in Kentucky are increasing, but not at the rate they need to be. Some young college students choose to focus their education elsewhere to receive better pay. Hopefully those wages will increase. College students probably just don’t see the profession as a career they want to pursue.