This brief is the first in a series of reports examining the teacher shortage dilemma. It considers what the research says about teacher shortages and highlights recent state task force findings. Designed to guide state leaders in policy decisions, the briefs that follow examine five strategies states are using to address shortages: (1) Alternative Certification; (2) Financial Incentives; (3) Induction and Mentorship; (4) Evaluation and Feedback; and (5) Teacher Leadership.