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This study reports the findings of a national survey on PreK–12 world language teacher development (WLTD), and was conducted in order to assist the profession as simultaneously it confronts the intersecting challenges of a nationwide world language (WL) teacher shortage, strives to meet new teacher preparation standards, and ensures the future of language teaching and learning in American schools. The 164 methods instructors (MIs) described the contexts in which they address pre‐service candidates' needs and aspirations, and shared their opinions on the current status of WLTD, the perceived impediments to promoting its well‐being, and the structures that are necessary to guarantee success in providing superior teachers for tomorrow's language learners. Implications for the profession are explored.

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The insufficient supply of K-12 language – world language (WL) and English as a second language (ESL) – teachers in the United States has been a pervasive challenge for school administrators seeking to provide language learning opportunities for their students. The issue is complex – including numerous factors that adversely affect the recruitment of future educators as well as their retention once in the classroom. Almost all states report a dearth of WL and/or ESL teachers, and WL is the discipline with the highest predictive teacher turnover rate – whether by leaving the profession entirely ( leavers) or opting to move to a different school ( movers). In spring 2020, the global health pandemic placed additional demands on all educators, and consequently some reports predict an exodus of teachers from K-12 schools. This article presents the results of a study exploring language teachers’ intention to leave the profession as a consequence of school-related responsibilities and experiences during spring 2020. Data revealed three profiles of K-12 language teachers: stayers, leavers, and conditional stayers. Implications related to influential factors in teachers’ potential decisions to remain in or exit the profession are provided.

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