The STEM Teacher Drought: Cracks and Disparities in California’s Math and Science Teacher Pipeline

In California, seven out of 10 of the state’s fastest growing occupations are in STEM fields. Low-income, minority students have less access to STEM learning opportunities and experience less success in STEM subjects compared to their more advantaged peers. This report examines how the shortage of STEM teachers in California is impacting low-income students’ access to a high-quality STEM education. Three main topics are discussed: district recruitment of STEM teachers, the credentials held by STEM recruits, and the supports available to STEM teachers to help them effectively teach STEM subjects.