Recent studies indicate a current and prospective shortage of language teachers. The recruitment and retention of a highly qualified teaching force is essential.  Recognizing the reported 50% attrition rate of teachers new to the profession, we support high quality professional development for experienced teachers and mentoring services for new teachers.  The recruitment and retention of highly qualified teachers must occur for all languages, including, but not limited to, those deemed critical by the federal government and by the business community with special efforts to attract the nation’s heritage speakers. To that end, ACTFL and its member organizations

• Initiate and support the active recruitment of teachers into the profession through various incentives
• Provide leadership in new teacher induction and ongoing professional development for mentors to provide the necessary in-service training for teachers new to the profession
• Work to ensure that high quality professional development is available to language professionals through national, state and local education agencies and professional communities.