Over 90% of schools are reporting that there is a serious teacher shortage problem. For public education to continue to produce educated, productive students, educators must keep the best and most highly qualified teachers in the profession. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived factors that affect teacher shortage and ways to alleviate the shortage in Southern Illinois schools. This study was designed as a quantitative investigation. With the collected data, it is anticipated that it will give administrators and ISBE a better understanding of why teachers leave the profession and ways to retain teachers in the profession. Current research on teacher shortage supports the findings of my study. Recruiting and retaining teachers is essential for students learning and achievement. "We must do what it takes to recruit the best into the profession and do what it takes to retain them" Andrew and Marzano (2021). [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]