During the 2024–25 school year, 35% of public schools reported at least one teaching vacancy, and nearly two-thirds said they could not find enough qualified applicants, according to NCES. For district and state leaders, this reality shapes staffing decisions, budgets, and instructional planning.

In many districts, the conversation has shifted from focusing on a single hiring pathway to exploring a broader mix of solutions that can help ensure every classroom is consistently staffed with a well-prepared teacher.

To respond to immediate staffing needs, districts and states have adopted a range of innovative, flexible approaches. These include temporary licenses, expanded permits, and alternative entry routes that help schools keep classrooms open and students learning.

Across the country, districts adapt in different ways:

• Alabama now allows eligible military veterans without bachelor’s degrees to receive temporary teaching certificates valid for up to five years.
• St. Lucie County Schools (FL) is relying on long-term substitutes on temporary certificates as vacancies increased significantly over an 18-month period.
• Hawaii lawmakers are considering extending emergency teaching permits from three years to five, recognizing the importance of retaining educators already serving students.

These examples underscore how districts are working thoughtfully and creatively to address urgent workforce needs.

As shortages persist, many districts are expanding their search for educators. Increasingly, that search includes international recruitment as one component of a broader, diversified teacher pipeline strategy.

International teacher recruitment through the J‑1 cultural exchange pathway is becoming a practical option for districts seeking experienced educators who are ready to step into classrooms while also enriching school communities through global perspectives.

In some districts, international teachers already play a critical role. In Western Alaska’s Kuspuk School District, international teachers now make up more than half of the teaching staff.

These educators often bring strong subject-matter expertise and substantial classroom experience, along with a commitment to multi-year placements. While, according to NCES, nearly 40–50% of new U.S. teachers leave the profession within their first five years, international teachers participating in structured exchange programs typically commit to three- to five-year placements, providing districts with greater continuity for students.

International recruitment is not a replacement for domestic preparation programs, alternative pathways, or grow-your-own strategies. Instead, it is one of several solutions districts can leverage together to meet ongoing workforce demands.

The Praxis International Teacher Solution was designed to help districts add an additional, high-quality educator pipeline to their broader staffing strategy. The solution provides an end-to-end approach to international recruitment through the J‑1 cultural exchange framework, connecting districts with qualified educators who are prepared to teach in U.S. classrooms. Districts gain access to a global network of more than 450,000 educators, including candidates in high-need subjects such as math, science, special education, and ESL.

International teachers recruited through the Praxis program are held to the same high standards expected of certified teachers in the U.S., including holding subject-area certification, bringing four or more years of teaching experience, and completing preparation in English proficiency and cross-cultural readiness before entering U.S. classrooms.

The Praxis International Teacher Solution manages candidate vetting, documentation, visa support, compliance, onboarding, and ongoing professional learning. This allows districts to integrate international teachers smoothly alongside educators from other pipelines, while focusing their internal teams on instruction and school leadership.

One of many long-term solutions to solving the teacher shortage lies in embracing multiple, complementary pipelines that together strengthen the educator workforce. International teachers represent one such pathway, alongside traditional preparation programs, alternative routes, paraprofessional advancement, and retention-focused strategies.

The Praxis International Teacher Solution supports districts in building a more resilient teacher pipeline while maintaining high standards for preparation and instruction. It reflects the broader Praxis mission: reducing unnecessary barriers, expanding opportunity, and ensuring every student has access to a well-prepared teacher.

To learn more about the Praxis International Teacher Solution, visit: https://praxis.ets.org/international-teacher-recruitment.html