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Comment and Physics

Why we should all be concerned about the shortage of science teachers

From Australia to the UK, the global shortage of science teachers will have a damaging effect on diversity and equity in science, says physics teacher Alom Shaha

By Alom Shaha

10 January 2024

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Elaine Knox

TEN years ago, I was asked to predict what science teaching in schools would look like in 100 years. I replied, somewhat facetiously, that it would look exactly the same as it did 100 years ago: classrooms full of children sat at desks with a teacher in front of them. Today, I would find it much more difficult to be light-hearted about such a question, because I am concerned that the way some students are being taught science is changing.

Around the world, from the US to the UK to Australia, a shortage of relevant teachers may threaten the future…

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