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Does Training Teachers Locally Affect Teacher Shortages? Evidence from Regional Public Universities

Author

Listed:
  • Howard, Greg

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

  • Weinstein, Russell

    (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)

Abstract

We study whether training teachers locally increases nearby teacher supply. We use the historical assignment of normal schools and insane asylums to identify the effect of university proximity. Normal schools, built to train teachers, became regional universities while asylums mostly continue as small psychiatric facilities. Our evidence suggests greater teacher supply in normal school counties: lower teacher wages and more teachers per student. Asylum counties have more teachers with emergency credentials and fewer who majored in education - suggesting they mitigate lower supply by hiring in different pools. Normal school counties have higher high school test scores and graduation rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Howard, Greg & Weinstein, Russell, 2026. "Does Training Teachers Locally Affect Teacher Shortages? Evidence from Regional Public Universities," IZA Discussion Papers 18572, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18572
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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