Edu Dept Wants Your Take on Tracking Teacher Shortages Nationwide
Published Date: 3/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Education is asking for public feedback on continuing to collect data about teacher shortage areas, which helps schools and communities know where teachers are needed most. This collection is staying the same, so no new costs or changes are expected. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by May 29, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Reporting Burden on State Education Offices
State, local, and tribal governments are the respondents for this collection. The Department estimates 57 annual responses and a total of 6,612 annual burden hours for this reporting requirement.
Teacher Shortage Data Continues
The Department is reinstating the Targeted Teacher Shortage Areas Data Collection without change, so no new costs or changes are expected. If you want to comment, submit feedback by May 29, 2026.
Data Supports Teacher Loan Programs
The collection supports reporting tied to Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) targeted teacher deferment and reporting requirements in the Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship, TEACH Grant, and Federal Perkins Loan Program regulations. Chief State School Officers provide the Secretary annually with a database of proposed teacher shortage areas for each state.
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