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(Arizona News Connection) Research shows 86 percent of public schools nationwide report challenges in hiring teachers and the state of Arizona is no stranger to the struggle.

Tom Horne, the state's Superintendent of Public Instruction, has said the state is facing a net loss of about 2,300 teachers per year, with educator preparation programs subsequently not being able to meet demand. He called the situation a "potential catastrophe."

Ralph Quintana, president of the American Federation of Teachers-Arizona, said since the pandemic, elementary and secondary school emergency relief funds provided to help with certain positions have dwindled, leaving teachers the responsibility of assuming other roles.

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"Whether it was for interventionists that caught students up in reading and math or for social worker positions or councilors where they worked with the emotional health of a child," Quintana outlined. "Even though the need is still there, unfortunately the money is not."

Quintana pointed out it means teachers do more work for less pay. With more than 20 years of education experience, Quintana emphasized the intensity of the emotional and academic needs of today's students are unprecedented.

Almost 80 percent of likely Arizona voters support increasing funding for K-12 public education. Quintana encouraged voters to get educated and support candidates they think will make meaningful investments in schools.

Recent school shootings and charged political rhetoric are also factors Quintana stressed do not help foster teacher morale. While schools mandate lockdown drills to prepare for emergency situations, the simulations do not necessarily lead to teachers feeling safer, according to new data from the nonprofit RAND. Quintana added Arizona public schools take part in at least four lockdown drills every school year.

"If you don't like your kids growing up in that, change it," Quintana urged. "How do you do that? You educate yourself and look at what is happening in society, what is promoting it."

Quintana called the attacks on schools endemic to what is happening around the country. As Election Day gets closer, he wants voters to not let one issue determine who they will vote for and is supporting a more holistic approach to decision-making.