Innovative Solutions for Teacher Shortages: From Assessment to Retention

Teacher reading to young students — **Innovative Solutions for Teacher Shortages: From Assessment to Retention**
The shortage of qualified teachers has far-reaching impacts on students, schools, and communities. Solving this issue requires more than just one approach, and in response, Praxis has developed both in-house innovations and external partnerships to support districts nationwide. Our goal is to help districts and educators thrive—from preparing teachers for the classroom to retaining them long-term and ensuring more certified teachers are standing in front of students.

Tailored Solutions for District Challenges

Many districts face challenges such as a lack of candidates applying for open teaching positions, educators on emergency certifications struggling to pass the Praxis exam, or high turnover rates. ETS understands these challenges and has developed tailored solutions to address them.

We are evolving our Praxis® assessments to reduce barriers while maintaining rigorous certification standards. Flexibility and accessibility are central to this effort. To support candidates who narrowly miss passing their exams, we introduced Praxis Bridge, which offers targeted professional development modules to help test-takers achieve certification success.

Supporting districts from assessment to retention,' showing the Praxis Test at the center with segments for flexible assessment options, custom test day solutions, test prep, teacher pipeline expansion, and coaching/mentoring, featuring related logos

Breaking Down Testing Barriers

Testing logistics such as scheduling, travel, and other barriers can add unnecessary stress. To address this, we launched Custom Test Day Solutions to provide greater flexibility and convenience. We offer districts the option for private, after-hours access to testing centers or bring the test center directly to them. This service sets up pop-up testing centers on campuses or at local conference venues—complete with computers, technical support, and proctoring staff to create a supportive testing environment.

Partnerships to Support Test Preparation

Alongside creating flexible testing solutions, we’ve expanded test preparation options through strategic partnerships. Study.com provides self-directed, cost-effective test prep, while Engage2Learn uses Praxis data to offer districts individualized professional development for educators needing more intensive support.

Expanding the Teacher Pipeline

Beyond assessment and preparation, expanding the pipeline of certified teachers is essential to addressing the teacher shortage. We’re excited to announce a partnership with Suraasa, an international teacher mentoring and upskilling organization, to recruit highly qualified educators from around the world for U.S. classrooms.

In collaboration with ETS, Suraasa provides Praxis-certified, highly qualified educators on J-1 visas to classrooms across the U.S. The partnership offers streamlined recruitment, screening, and onboarding to help districts quickly place classroom-ready teachers.

Suraasa's 12-month global teacher preparation program equips educators with strategies and mentorship for success in diverse classroom environments. With a network of over 450,000 teachers from more than 30 countries, Suraasa helps build diverse, highly skilled teacher workforces and addresses persistent shortages in critical subject areas. By leveraging ETS’s expertise in assessment and Suraasa’s specialized preparation, districts can ensure their new hires are classroom-ready from day one and supported for long-term success.

Supporting Districts for Long-Term Success

ETS is committed to supporting districts and educators at every stage—from assessment to retention and beyond. If your district is interested in Praxis solutions to expand the teacher pipeline, feel free to send an email to Praxissolutions@ets.org to schedule a time to chat with our team. Whether districts are preparing candidates for certification, helping candidates pass the Praxis exam, or expanding their talent pool with international educators, we are here to help address the teacher shortage and strengthen the teacher pipeline.

By The Praxis Editorial Team

Using the Tomorrow’s Teacher blog, the writers, thought leaders, and researchers who comprise the Praxis Editorial Team focus on the pedagogical issues that matter most to educators. The goal: to create and sustain a constant dialogue, and to unite the interests of all those who value teaching and learning.