Insights

The US teacher shortage is growing to crisis levels as many states are unable to staff classrooms. Fresh data indicate that the teacher pay penalty relative to other college graduates has reached a record high. This increasing pay penalty is generally regarded as one of the most significant causes of the shrinkage in the teaching profession.

According to a CEPR report, the teacher pay penalty—quantifying the gap between teachers' and other similarly qualified professionals' weekly wages—has intensified over the last three decades. In 2024, teachers received only 73 cents for every dollar received by other college-educated professionals with comparable qualifications, the lowest ever recorded.

Teacher pay penalty hits record high

Senior CEPR economist Sylvia Allegretto broke down the statistics to Forbes, reporting that real wages for teachers have declined by over 5% since 1996 when adjusting for inflation. Other college graduates experienced substantial increases in their weekly pay. In the last decade, teacher pay decreased by $46.39 per week in actual terms, and other graduates' pay went up by $220.46 per week, according to Forbes.

The total wage gap between teachers and other professionals is now 26.9%, up from just 6.1% in 1996. Much of this increased gap, Allegretto said, comes from the fact that teacher pay has remained stagnant while wages elsewhere are climbing.

State differences and the effect on hiring

The CEPR report also identifies very large state-to-state variation in the teacher pay penalty. Nine states, such as Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Missouri, have pay penalties that are more than 30%. Conversely, South Carolina, Vermont, and New Jersey have gaps less than 15%.

This pay gap impacts teacher recruitment. As Forbes noted, when college freshmen decide on their majors, education schools struggle to get students because the possible future salaries in teaching are much lower than other careers. The expense of college paired with a decrease in teacher pay deters many from becoming teachers.

Teacher shortages become more severe as wages plateau

Research by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University and the Education Policy Studies unit at Penn State verifies the cost of this pay penalty. Pennsylvania, for instance, needs 8,000 to 10,000 new teachers graduating annually but has been unable to produce more than 6,500. Shortages are repeated in a number of other states facing similar recruitment difficulties.

Public school teachers usually enjoy greater benefits than other graduates, but as Allegretto explained to Forbes, the benefits are not enough to make up for the wage gap. The total package is still unappealing to most aspiring teachers.

Political will is what solutions need

The answer seems simple: raise teachers' salaries. Yet CEPR's decade-long research emphasizes the absence of sustained and effective policy interventions in responding to this challenge. Allegretto noted in the Forbes report that the US has the resources to fund public schools but has not yet discovered the political will to achieve it.

Since the pay penalty continues, the teacher shortage in America is bound to worsen unless compensation increases sufficiently to attract and keep quality educators.

On a quiet evening in Phangane, a small village in Maharashtra’s Thane district, the sound of laughter often spills out from a small classroom of a school that runs for only 2hours  daily. But here, the students are not children. They are grandmothers, some in their sixties, a few in their seventies, and even women approaching ninety, dressed in pink sarees with slate and chalk in hand. This is Aajibaichi Shala, India’s first school for grandmothers who never had the opportunity to read or write.

Origin and Mission  

Founded in 2016 by Yogendra Bangar and  Motiram Dalai Charitable Trust, this school is a revolutionary initiative making waves in the education sector. It is India's first school for grandmothers that has broken the barriers and empowers elderly women to read, write, and take control of their lives in this age of technology.  

The primary objective of Aajibaichi Shala is to educate elderly women who had no time to go to school because of the social rules and norms. The school is currently home to 28 students, aged between 60 and 90, who come to school in decent pink sarees, which denotes that they have a new identity after this initiative for older women’s education in rural Maharashtra.  

A Day at Aajibaichi Shala 

It opens with a prayer and roll call, and then classes commence in Marathi alphabet, numbers and simple arithmetic. The grandmothers also take up gardening activities where they plant and care for saplings, fostering a feeling of belonging and responsibility. These women are extraordinarily determined despite their physical challenges, as some of them have hearing impairments and poor vision. They do this because they want to place their signatures and read skills which will allow them to handle daily transactions without apprehension.

The Impact of Education

To these elderly women learning, education is not a mere tool of empowerment, but something more. They can become more active members of their communities by learning to read and write, make informed choices, and demand their rights. The school has made a positive contribution to the entire village, educating people about hygiene, sanitation, and healthcare. Kantabai, a student, says that the village has numerous issues, such as a water crisis, poor sanitation, a lack of healthcare facilities, and a lack of means of transport. Aajibaachi Shala has acted like a new wave of hope in this village in this environment”. A 78-year-old student Shantabai said, “We raised our children to study, but our time never came. Today, when I can read my grandson’s textbook, I feel young again.”

A Remarkable Initiative 

Aajibaichi Shala is one bright example of human potential and the ability to change life through education.Ramabai Ganpat Chandelle, an 87-year-old student, said, "I am a ripe fruit that could fall off the branch any time. I was not able to study as a child and was illiterate my entire life. But I would not wish to be illiterate. I am glad now that I can take a few words with me to the other world." This school is a wake-up call that age is no obstacle to learning and everyone has a right to achieve their potential.

Why should India Appreciate this initiative? 

Aajibachi Shala is the hope of old women in India; this is how education can change both individual and society life. When we commemorate the success of the outstanding women, we are also reminded of the need to encourage literacy and education for everyone, irrespective of their age or background. We can contribute to building a more inclusive and empowering society by appreciating and contributing to efforts such as Aajibaichi Shala initiative.  

A New Definition of Literacy

The grandmothers of Phangane are redefining literacy. To them it is the right to get to a bus stop and know that they will not be afraid, to read the cost of grains at the market, and to do their grandchildren's homework.

At the time when India discusses the relevance of education in employability and careers, the image of these women reciting rhymes makes us realize that education is also the matter of dignity, equality, and happiness.

It has been said very beautifully by one of the teachers of the school that “we say children are the future of the country. But the past in Phangane has chosen to shake hands with the future--sitting cross-legged on the same mat.”

It’s been a decade now since Aajibaichi Shala, school for grandmothers, came into existence, yet it continues not just as a school, but as a symbol that it is never too late to learn. The story of these grandmothers has reminded India and the world that education is beyond the parameters of age, gender, or circumstance.

In the tiny chalk marks of Aajibaichi Shala lies a universal lesson: learning has no expiry date but the need for motivation.

The aim of the protestors is to ensure equitable rules for everyone and avoid any disparity in the recruitment process. A group of school job seekers have organized a protest in Salt Lake, Kolkata, today, on September 25. They protested for fair recruitment in government-aided schools. The protestors asserted that they have sat for the recently conducted State Level Selection Test (SLST). Recruitment test was held by the West Bengal School Service Commission on September 7 and 14.

The protest began in West Bengal's capital city at Karunamoyee Metro station. The government job aspirants later marched around a kilometre to Bikash Bhavan. One should mention that the Bikash Bhavan is the headquarters of the state education department.

Why are teaching job aspirants protesting?

Among several demands, the key demand is to withdraw the order of awarding 10 additional marks. The marks are for teachers who lost their jobs after a Supreme Court order but showed up in the new exams. It arrives as the top court revoked the jobs of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching personnel. The court stated the 2016 recruitment was "vitiated and tainted.

Candidates termed the new policy 'unfair' and argued that it would lower their prospects in recruitment. They further stated it contradicts the basis of equal opportunity for every candidate.

 They are seeking clear information so that transparency is maintained in the recruitment process. The job seekers also demand a meeting with the state education minister. They added that they would place their objections before him directly.

Other news, WBBSC SLET Result to be out soon

The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) has recently published answer keys of the State Level Selection Test (SLST) for 11 subjects on westbengalssc.com. All the candidates who were not satisfied with the provisional answer key have been provided with opportunity to submit objections against the same by September 25, 2025. They needed to pay an objection fee of Rs. 100 per question. Two original academic references needed to be submitted for every suggestion/objection. Post examination by subject experts, in case the allegations are true, the fee will be refunded. Final answer key will be made based on objections raised and result will be made based on final key. To know more about it, click here.

Venus is a very interesting planet,” said the ISRO Chairman, S. Somanath. “Studying its thick atmosphere and surface will help us understand planetary evolution better, and we invite India’s best young scientists to join us on this exciting journey.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has issued an exciting Announcement of Opportunity (AO) inviting proposals from the Indian scientific community to use archival data for novel research in support of the forthcoming Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM). This is a major leap in India's space exploration plans as the VOM, due for launch in March 2028, is intended to study the planet Venus– the planet that's often referred to as Earth's "sister planet" because of many similarities but the dramatic differences. 

Why is This An Important Opportunity for Students and Researchers?

For students, young scientists and academic communities interested in planetary science, atmospheric studies and space technology, this AO offers a unique opportunity to become involved in-depth with the advanced planetary studies without the wait for new data. By using existing archival datasets on the morphology, atmosphere, ionosphere and solar interactions of Venus, aspiring researchers can add important insights that will inform the mission's scientific discoveries.

ISRO welcomes proposals from across India from university, national research, colleges and Government organizations. The selected projects will be funded for up to three years, including for computational facilities, research staffing and dissemination activities. Proposals need to be submitted by November 15, 2025, giving teams plenty of time to get prepared with their pioneering research plans.

What Research Areas Invited?

ISRO focuses on five main areas of research:

1. Venusian morphology and surface studies: investigation of geological and topographical features.
2. Geological mapping and mineralogy: comprehending composition at the surface
3. Atmospheric structure and composition: investigation of the dense Venusian atmosphere.
4. Ionosphere and solar wind interaction: studying the dynamics of charged particles.
5. Atmospheric and ionospheric modeling: modeling the environment of Venus.

Through these multidisciplinary disciplines, researchers can investigate critical questions about planetary evolution, atmospheric chemistry and planetary weather systems that differ starkly from Earth's. 

How can students prepare and get involved? 

Foster Interdisciplinary Skills

The AO emphasizes collaboration among geology, chemistry, physics, and data science. Students are encouraged to take classes and research projects in remote sensing, reconnaissance radar image analysis, and space instrumentation.

Use Existing Data

This is one of the few opportunities to tap into archival Venus data from past missions. Experience with big data tools and software for analysis of space science data is a plus.

Build Research Teams

Students can form research teams with senior scientists and faculty to submit joint proposals to become mentored and gain experience in funded planetary research.

Participate in Upcoming Workshops and Seminars

ISRO will conduct workshops throughout the duration of the AO project to disseminate results and promote community learning - ideal opportunities for students to network and share results.

Why is this a Milestone?

The Venus Orbiter Mission is a testament to India's growing presence in the field of space science. By understanding the solar-planetary particle interactions, the mission promises valuable cross-planetary comparisons that will help explain why Venus and Earth have evolved so differently, and also why Venus's atmosphere has become so inhospitable.

For Indian students and researchers, involvement in these preparatory AO research exchanges provides exposure to frontier science, encourages innovation, and places them at the center of planetary exploration activities worldwide.

Deadline to submit proposals: November 15, 2025

More info and proposal instructions: ISRO Venus AO official page 

This announcement by ISRO is a calling! Because this Announcement of Opportunity represents a transformative opportunity for Indian students and researchers to work on a pioneering planetary mission. Participating in this project will not only contribute to ground-breaking scientific discoveries, but also to invaluable experience, mentorship and career advancement opportunities in line with India's rising stature in global space exploration.

For more such informative, insightful and valuable news updates, stay tuned with edinbox. 

Stalin added that Tamil Nadu also was willing to adopt the best schemes of Telangana. But he cautioned that Union-level efforts to derail the progress of the State would not succeed.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin accused the Union government on Thursday, September 25, of putting hurdles in the path of the State's education policy, even as a number of other States were looking to emulate its model.

Addressing Kalviyil Sirantha Tamil Nadu (Educationally Excellent Tamil Nadu) in Chennai, Stalin averred that the State's success in education had attracted the attention of the entire country. "Other States are emulating our efforts and implementing them. But the Union government, not being able to acknowledge our advancement, is attempting to stunt us," he added.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who attended the event, said that his government would implement the breakfast scheme for schoolchildren from the next academic year, following Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme.

"This scheme is touching; it benefits children of the poorest of families who go to school with an empty stomach. People of Tamil Nadu are fortunate because you have the best Chief Minister," he added.

He also appreciated other Tamil Nadu schemes such as Naan Mudhalvan, Pudhumai Penn, and Tamil Pudhalvan, and assured that his government had already rolled out Tamil Nadu's free bus travel for women under the Mahalakshmi scheme.

The Telangana CM also declared that he would set up a Sports University and academies with a Rs 500 crore corpus fund, as well as a Young India Skills University under a public-private partnership system to match training with employment.

He further added, "Tamil Nadu and Telangana must join hands to make sure India gets gold medals in the 2028 Olympics. If Narendra Modi and Amit Shah do not do their work, I will do it myself."

Stalin mentioned that attendance of students had improved following the implementation of the breakfast programme, and Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan had helped increase enrollment for higher education, with 75% of government school students completing Class XII now pursuing their studies in colleges.

1,878 government school students have gained admission to top higher educational institutions over the last four years, he added.

Stalin also added that Tamil Nadu also was ready to take on the most promising schemes from Telangana. However, he gave a warning that Union-level efforts at sabotaging the progress of the State would prove unsuccessful. "We must drive fear into those who, being unable to tolerate our growth, attempt to hinder us. Our schemes and accomplishments will do that," he added.

For decades the United State has been the dream destination for Indian Students looking to pursue higher education abroad. American universities like Harward,MIT,Stanford and UCLA were not justy educational institutions they were symbols of ambition,success and prestige.

But times are changing.More and more Indian students are now looking beyond the US and choosing destinations such as Canada,Germany, The UK, Australia and even countries in Asia and the Middle East.The global higher map is expanding and Indian students are right at the center of this shift.

So,what’s driving this change?

The Rising Cost of Education in the US- The US still offers world class education,but it comes at a price. Tuition fees,living expenses,healthcare and accommodation make studying in America extremely costly.

Average tuition : $30,000- $50,000 per year

Living Expenses- $15000- $20,000 per year

For many middle class families in India ,this is simply unaffordable especially when Canada, Germany or even France offers top ranked universities at much lower tuition costs in some cases,even free education like Germany’s  public universities.

Visa Challenges and Uncertainty Indian students are often concerned about :

• Long waiting time for US visas.
• Strict rules for work permits. 
• Uncertainty about permanent residency.

In contrast, Canada and Australia have introduced student- friendly visa policies, offering post study work permits and clear pathways to permanent residency. This makes them highly attractive for students who want to build a life abroad after studies.  

Better Return on Investment (ROI)

Students and parents today are more practical. They are asking Will the degree pay off? Countries like Germany and Canada have a much better ROI because of low fees and good job opportunities.Even the UK,despite being costly, offers 1 to 2 years of post study work visas making the investment more worthwhile.

Job opportunities and Immigration Pathways

Studying abroad is no longer just about getting a degree,it’s about securing a future.Canada.  offers an easy transiction  from student visas to permanent residency. Australia has extended post study opportunities in certain fields.Germany has a strong demand for engineers,IT professionals and skilled workers. The US on the other hand,still has H-1B visa uncertainties making students nervous about long term stability.

• Global Exposure and Diversity
• Studying in different countries gives students exposure to multicultural classrooms.
• Opportunities to learn new languages.
• Access to unique cultural experiences

For instance a student in Berlin experiences European culture and innovation while a student in Toronto grows in a diverse immigrant community.

Digital Media and Online Influence- Today’s generation is heavily influenced by Youtube Vloggers ,Instagrams reels,and Linkedin Stories. Indian students can see the success stories of their peers studying in Germany, Canada or Australia and feel inspired to explore new options. Social Media has widened horizons like never before.

What Should Students Do Next?

•  If you are planning to study abroad ,do the needful steps for sure
• Research Destinations- Don’t just limit yourself to the US. Compare programs in Canada,Germany and Australia.
• Calculate ROI- Check tuition fees,living costs and job opportunities. 
• Look at Visa & PR Policies- If you want to settle abroad, it is crucial.
• Apply Early for Scholarships- Many countries offer financial support for Indian students.

A World Full of Choices-

The United State is still an excellent option for higher education,but it is not the only option. Indian students today have the freedom to choose from a variety of countries that offer world class education affordability, cultural diversity and better job prospects.

The dream is no longer just about the American Degree.It is about global learning, financial stability and building a secure future.