18221. THE SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIED MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. This paper looks at the shortage of math and science teachers in economic terms, as a “market failure” in the U.S. education system. It is argued that the problem is caused by an imbalance between demand and supply. It is also argued that there is a need for economic incentives (such as tax credits) to enhance the recruitment and retention of qualified teachers. KEYWORDS: education math science teachers economics. Turabian Style with Endnotes. 6 pages, 16 footnotes, 7 bibliographic sources.