ABSTRACT
This chapter exposes the crisis facing our education system in which teachers are leaving the profession before retirement at the same time that few talented young people are choosing to pursue teaching as a career. The author examines some of the causes and effects of these trends and makes the case that Generation Z’s general desire for careers that allow for societal impact creates an opportunity if we can begin to change society’s perception of teachers. She also shares her own experiences with “grow your own” teacher preparation and recruitment programs, including how she is focusing on increasing the number of students of color who choose to become teachers.
