The American education system is facing significant challenges, according to former private school principal Mandy Davis. Speaking on 'Fox & Friends Weekend,' Davis highlighted what she sees as "deep-rooted issues," particularly the nationwide teacher shortage and its ripple effects.

Davis, who now homeschools her children, expressed concerns about the impact of teacher vacancies on classroom sizes, student behavior, and overall educational quality. She emphasized the need for parental awareness regarding these issues.

The U.S. Department of Education reported a substantial 44% of schools experiencing full or part-time teacher vacancies last year, a figure largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Special education programs were particularly hard hit, with 45% of schools reporting vacancies, followed by general elementary positions and substitute teachers.

The Wall Street Journal documented a significant exodus of teachers from the profession, with over 300,000 leaving between February 2020 and May 2022. Davis expressed worry about who will fill these crucial roles, noting that numerous states are altering certification and licensing requirements to expand the pool of potential educators. She questioned whether these changes are in the best interests of students.

Davis also pointed to teacher concerns about classroom safety and management as contributing factors to the shortage. Reports from The Washington Post support these concerns, highlighting the relaxation of job requirements in some states desperate to fill teaching positions. As an example, Florida has implemented an apprenticeship program enabling community college graduates to teach under mentorship while pursuing their bachelor's degrees. Similarly, Arizona has allowed substitute teachers to assume full-time roles.