Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

WEPC’s partnership with Massachusetts encompasses multiple projects focused on understanding the state of the educator workforce.

COVID-19 and the Composition of the Massachusetts Teacher Workforce 

The COVID-19 crisis has created unprecedented disruption for school systems, educators, and the students they serve. The pandemic-related challenges and connected policy responses have the potential to alter the supply of and demand for teachers, both in the short and long-term. This project examined the extent to which the composition of the teacher workforce changed in Massachusetts during various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Researchers: Andrew Bacher-Hicks, Olivia Chi, Alexis Orellana 

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The Implementation and Impact of the Massachusetts Emergency Teacher License 

To prevent a possible pandemic-induced teacher shortage, Massachusetts authorized an emergency license with substantially reduced requirements to be in effect beginning in the 2020-21 school year. WEPC researchers are analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to understand the characteristics of educators who obtained an emergency license, their successes and challenges during the process, and their subsequent employment outcomes. The evidence produced by this research will provide valuable insights into how changes to licensure requirements play a role in shaping the teacher workforce. 

Researchers: Andrew Bacher-Hicks, Olivia Chi, Ariel Tichnor-Wagner

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Forecasting the Supply and Demand of Diverse Educators 

Despite recent increases in the racial/ethnic diversity of teachers in Massachusetts, demographic gaps between the student population and the teacher workforce remain large. Recognizing the importance of narrowing these gaps, the state has set forth a goal to increase the representation of teachers of color to 26% by 2030. To support policy action and progress toward this goal, WEPC is calculating the projected supply and demand of teachers of color across the state over the next decade. This project is being conducted in partnership with MassINC and Latinos for Education. 

Researchers: Andrew Bacher-Hicks, Olivia Chi

Understanding the School Leader Pipeline in Massachusetts 

In an effort to better understand the career trajectories of principals, assistant principals, and other school leaders in Massachusetts, WEPC is launching a comprehensive project to study the licensure, employment, mobility, and effectiveness patterns of current and aspiring school leaders across the state. The results of this research will inform future policies to prepare and support educators to enter and remain in school leadership roles and sustain a positive impact on students, teachers, and schools. 

Researcher: Olivia Chi