ATLANTA (AP) Data from a Georgia education commission shows fewer people are pursuing careers as teachers. <br />
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports more than 12,400 people earned teaching certificates during the 2007-08 school year, according to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The number dropped to about 8,520 two years later and has been roughly the same since then. <br />
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Southwest Georgia Regional Education Service Agency director Tim Helms says there's a significant need for teacher in the science, technology, engineering and math fields, as well principals and educators from minority backgrounds. Helms says finding teachers is more difficult in rural areas, partially because of compensation concerns. <br />
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Republican State Rep. Amy Carter says aside from pay, some teachers leave the profession because of quality of life issues and lack of support from school administrators. <br />
