INTRODUCTION Schools across the country have a growing student population and a shrinking teacher population. In low-income areas of the United States there are some teachers who are not qualified to teach, but do so anyway. In some areas students do not receive the adequate education they deserve. In response, the US government has taken some actions, but these are not enough. The main reason I want to become a teacher is because I think children deserve a thorough education and I want to give it to them. This research will explore what the problem is, teacher recruitment, retention and attrition. This research includes where the need for more qualified teachers lies in the United States. This research will indicate which areas have the most need for teachers and which have the least. Another topic to bring to light is what the government is trying to do to solve the problem and whether it has had any effect. Current methods used to recruit teachers were also studied along with retention methods. Ultimately, what the focus is on is teacher attrition. This research will show why teachers choose to leave the school or profession altogether. Teacher recruitment, retention, and attrition are all hypothesized to be influenced by salary. LITERATURE REVIEW ISSUE Every couple of years, the Department of Education produces a list of teacher shortage areas in each state for the next four years. Every state needs teachers every year. However, some areas need it more than others. States like Arizona and New York have their rolls divided into geographic areas because these states have a greater need for teachers. Inner-city schools and high-poverty rural schools suffer from...... paper......iation. Np, nd Web. 10 February 2014. “Spotlight Research on the Recruitment and Retention of Highly Qualified Teachers.” National Education Association. Np, nd Web. 10 February 2014. "Teach for America | Home." Teach for America. Np, nd Web. 09 February 2014. "A TEACH grant can help you pay for college if you plan to become a teacher in a high-need field in a low-income area." Federal student aid. Np, nd Web. February 10, 2014. “Teacher Shortage Areas.” US Department of Education. Np, nd Web. 10 February 2014. “International Goals for Education.” National Education Association. Np, nd Web. March 26. 2014. .