COVID-19 Exacerbates Teacher Shortages Across Public Schools, Forcing Some to Return to Remote Learning

A sign outside of Columbus Elementary School lets visitors know that the playground has been closed in Chicago, Illinois, on Jan. 25, 2021. Chicago Public School teachers were scheduled to return to the classroom for in-person learning, but the union objected and voted to continue remote learning. Scott Olson/Getty Images

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated teacher shortages in public schools across the United States, forcing some to return to remote learning.

Teacher shortages and difficulties filling job openings have been reported in Tennessee, New Jersey, and South Dakota, which saw one school district begin the year with 120 teacher vacancies.