by Kathleen M. Jacobs, West Virginia Watch
June 5, 2025

As a former educator at the high school and college levels, my interest in public and private and collegiate avenues of acquiring knowledge through education remains steadfast, even though I no longer teach; instead, I write books and commentaries that I hope will not only resonate with my readers but make a difference (however slight) in the way they see the world around them, asking, “What can I do? What will my contribution be to minimizing the escalating concerns that plague educational institutions and the teachers who deliver that knowledge?”

And if all we do is look at the overwhelming task, we’ve already been defeated in answering those questions. Yes, the issues are countless and to tackle any single one of them is a monumental task. Still, we can take that thousand piece puzzle and break it down, one piece at a time or better still, put it together one piece at a time.

As I read of education’s global concerns, I also make certain to read of what is happening in my own backyard, from what the new administration didn’t do this past legislative session for students and schools and teachers to what they did do: school vaccines, for instance. 

The powers that be continue to push aside the very real teacher vacancies that continue to escalate. Recently, Amelia Ferrell Knisely reported that Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed a bill creating “Troops to Teachers,” in an attempt to address West Virginia’s teacher shortage, a program that aims to put veterans in the classroom. He called the program a “common sense solution.”

Let’s remind ourselves that one reason for the teacher shortage in West Virginia is low teacher pay, compared to surrounding states. Until that discrepancy is remedied, the exodus of teachers in West Virginia will continue to rise. And the multi-leveled, arduous journey for these veterans to become certified teachers might reach beyond common sense. In fact, there’s a bit more to it than that.

George Bernard Shaw is credited with the phrase, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.” In fact though, it was Aristotle who first said, “Those that can, do; those that understand, teach.” There’s a world of difference between the two sentiments. Shaw suggests that teachers are those who don’t know or haven’t learned their discipline. It’s absurd, and my suggestion would be to not repeat those words to an educator. Let’s be clear: teachers are highly skilled and experienced in their fields, with strong communication, interpersonal and pedagogical skills. The profession involves planning, delivering lessons and assessing student learning. It’s a teacher’s ability to articulate and explain complex concepts clearly, not simply perform a task, that educates and enlightens.  And if we, as students, are very fortunate, it is those very teachers who choose that profession in order to share their knowledge and passion with us that catapult us to our highest heights, giving us every possible opportunity to excel and succeed. 

I’m often asked why, in my commentaries, do I never offer a solution to a problem. Why do I focus only on the human factor? My answer never changes. I hone in on the human factor because I’m a humanist, because if I didn’t stay true to my core, then I would in fact be doing a disservice to those high school and college and graduate school professors who made certain that my liberal arts education was as well-rounded as they could impart. And until each and every one of us recognizes and prioritizes this undeniable truth, we cannot begin the journey to heal the wounds that scar each of us. Too, I will not disrespect my teachers or myself by even putting forth a viable solution to problems for which I’m not qualified. Are you following me? 

I know that Harvard University is under the spotlight right now, but I’ve always maintained that my West Virginia education could stand with pride alongside any other respected institution of higher learning. There are countless individuals (particularly those occupying offices of power) who can and must implement programs and support educators to make certain that not only I can continue to speak those words of praise but that every learned student to follow me can say them with pride as well.

There’s a great line from the movie “Cold Mountain,” when an aged woman who lives isolated in the mountains kills a goat in order to help an escaped soldier heal: “Bird flies somewhere, picks up a seed, [expels] the seed out, plant grows. Bird’s got a job, [seed’s] got a job. And you’ve got a job.” Can we please — each of us — do our job, rather than being so self-absorbed and concerned with who gets credit for what. As elementary as it may sound, let’s work together. It’s the only way progress moves forward.  Who cares who gets credit? Shouldn’t the only thing that matters be that the job got done?

West Virginia Watch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. West Virginia Watch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Leann Ray for questions: info@westvirginiawatch.com.

The post Watching, waiting and wondering about West Virginia’s teacher shortage appeared first on westvirginiawatch.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

This content presents a balanced, reflective perspective on education issues without adopting a distinctly partisan or ideological stance. It critiques shortcomings like low teacher pay and complex certification processes while promoting respect for educators and cooperation across stakeholders. The language emphasizes shared responsibility and human factors rather than political divides. There is no evident alignment with a particular political ideology, instead focusing on pragmatic solutions and humanism in education, which situates it near the center of the political spectrum.