WATS up - What About Teacher Shortage. Building a network between Sweden, Denmark ans Germany for comparative research studies on teacher shortage.

In many countries in Europe today, teacher shortage is seen as a challenge in society.

The overall aim with this project is to build a research network to explore, explain and compare the state of the current situation of teacher shortage in Germany, Sweden and Denmark.

Shorter term, the network is necessary to share and transfer knowledge and insights, as well as to gain new perspectives internationally.

Longer term, aim of the network is to expand, establish and maintain and widen international and national networks, including other countries in the collaborative network, in order to provide a base of expertise within teacher shortage.

Using a mixed method approach, the phenomena of teacher shortage will be described, analyzed and compared using valid empirical data from each country nationally and the combined to international comparative studies. Expected outcomes of the network collaboration will be seen on two levels.

The initial network will be established, strengthened and broadened and thereafter function as a role model for a wider international network.

Expected research results and outcomes will comprise new knowledge and deeper understanding of teacher shortage, and how reasons, solutions and implications behind teacher shortage are intertwined.

Longer term, the network will be expanded, established and maintained, and  other countries will be included in the collaborative network, thus providing a base of expertise within teacher shortage.