A local superintendent offers his thoughts and suggestions on the teacher shortage plaguing Illinois.

Tri-Valley Schools Superintendent Dr. David Mouser believes the state is at a "sound the alarm moment" regarding the teacher shortage. He notes over his tenure in school administration he has seen the applicant pool reach an all-time low.

Dr. Mouser thinks administrators can do more to nurture current and prospective teachers to make them feel comfortable and to "shield them from the nonsense that goes on." He says teachers should be focused on meeting students' needs.

Dr. Mouser would like to see the politically charged situations eliminated so schools can provide students with a well-rounded education.