It worries me to say this, nonetheless to even write it, but it’s not a secret that teachers are leaving the profession more than they are entering it. And not just any teachers, but GOOD teachers. Good teachers are finding more and more ways to exit the educational system by utilizing their experience, knowledge, and passion elsewhere. I’ve seen it first-hand by watching and collaborating with many teachers who have become entrepreneurs in education. I’ve written about teacher burnout several times which you could read about here, but I’m not just talking about burnout that’s pushing teachers out the door in pursuing other options. I’m talking about more serious factors that are causing teachers to leave without even thinking twice about turning back.
Over 15 years of teaching I have seen teachers become progressively more negative in the workplace. Teacher surveys prove that teachers feel underpaid, overworked, unsafe and unappreciated. How do I know? Because I have filled out those surveys time and time again and have had many discussions with teachers about how and why they feel this way. I’ve read and heard teachers openly voice about the laundry list of problems in education such as lack of resources, lack of administrative support, the realism that there are people who are NOT in education making decisions about education, students way below grade level, school safety concerns and MORE! Let me give you a closer listen to what’s going on in the “teacher’s lounge” (yeah, like that’s a real thing…lol) to better understand why you’ll see an increase in teachers seeking other opportunities and possibilities in education and a decrease in teachers entering this profession.
Let’s Talk Moo-lah
It’s no surprise that teachers do not go into this profession for the money. But it is alarming how teacher salaries can vary from state to state. As I was writing this the universe delivered an interesting article right to my inbox titled, The Fight Over Teacher Salaries: A Look at the Numbers. This was an interesting read because after working 12 years in Delaware while living in Pennsylvania with children of my own in the PA school district juggling the different school calendar in Delaware schools is a challenge for this teacher mom. So I’ve considered pursuing a teaching position in PA. BUT, there’s always a but, I was surprised (mortified actually) when I was recently chatting with one of my son’s teachers and had asked her if I should consider teaching in Pennsylvania, and she blatantly said that I probably won’t receive credit in pay for the 15 years that I worked. So basically I will get paid on the pay scale as a year 1 teacher with a Masters + 30, regardless of my other certifications, qualifications and time in service. As a result, this may make teachers think long and hard about which state they choose to teach in from the start of their career. We may see a decline in teachers in lower paying states competing for positions in higher paying states. This made me think of the concept of supply and demand meaning less pay may mean less skilled teachers in lower paying states affecting the quality of education across our country. And some teachers won’t take a pay cut to do this already underpaid and overworked job and may stay put where they are becoming miserable and ineffective, or furthermore, leave the profession altogether.
Let’s Talk School Safety
When I became a teacher I could not wait for my first interview and to land my first teaching job. Imagine being a new teacher today going on your first interview with all this talk about arming teachers with guns and the significantly growing number of school shootings. After reading this article, 5 Questions Principals Should Ask When Hiring Future- Ready Teachers, perhaps there should be a 6th question about how mentally fit the teacher is in handling the reality of today’s school shootings. And the reality that many teachers are scared to go to work each day. Most teachers do not want to be armed with guns. Teachers are not trained to be bodyguards or soldiers. Teachers do not want to even think about throwing themselves in front of bullets. This is terrifying and is causing a lot of daily anxiety. Bottom line…teachers want to teach. That’s it! So don’t arm teachers with guns, arm teachers with safe schools so teachers will want to come into this profession to teach tomorrow’s leaders.
Let’s Talk Appreciation & Respect
I am grateful for my many years of service in education and have built many wonderful relationships with colleagues, parents, and students. BUT, yes another but, there have been some instances where I have felt on more than one occasion unappreciated, disrespected and have been made to believe that I am replaceable and am not valued by administrators, parents, and even some colleagues. Shocking I know! 😉 When teachers feel unappreciated and disrespected many will not work to their fullest potential. They will not be as effective as they could be. They will burn out and they will leave. How do we fix this? I share some ideas in my post, How To Get Teachers To Work For You.
Let’s just conclude with this, if things don’t start changing in education, expect to see a rapid decline in teachers entering the profession and an even more rapid decline as your GOOD teachers leave to pursue other options in education. As a new teacher summer off sounds intriguing, but with the many challenges that teachers face in the profession today, some may question the weight of its importance. There are many other professions that are as equally rewarding, pay a lot more and don’t require you to be terrified to go to work every day.
We need to talk more about the decline in the profession that teaches all other professions. What are your thoughts on this?
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Christine Weis is a passionate educator, classroom management coach, wife, and mom of two busy boys. She enjoys teaching, writing, and creating resources for teachers.
The behavioral issues, and the idea that a “good” teacher can handle any behavioral issue, and if the kid continues to misbehave, it is the teachers fault. The pressure to reduce office referrals, to reduce out of school suspensions so that schools look better on paper is exhausting teachers. Then in that same environment, scores are suppose to get better. Burning the candle at both ends.
Yes to everything you have written. I think they are the reasons teachers leave the profession as well as why there is a huge number of teachers suffering from occupation depression and anxiety. I started a blog about this very topic but the only support I see for teachers is really just from other teachers. It is sad. And it is difficult to say anything because then the public accuses you of whining about your job, you “get months of vacation” and if “you don’t like it, quit”.
HI Gina!
I love your blog and how you support teachers who are suffering from depression and anxiety. I can definitely relate. What helped me was to surround myself with like-minded professionals and connect with inspirational educators through social media. I removed all toxicity from my circle. I agree that it is sad that teachers do not get much support from the public–those people have no clue and are ignorant in my opinion. I don’t see this perception changing any time soon resulting in teachers leaving the profession and seeking other opportunities. Sometimes I cannot believe how little teachers are paid and recognized. Imagine treating professionals with degrees like this–the profession that teaches all other professions??? Crazy!!
Thanks for reading and stay positive!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Totally understandable that there would be fewer people wanting to go into the teaching profession with the notoriously low pay and the increasing problem of school shootings. So sad, I hope this can be turned around for the sake of our children!
I hope so too! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
One of the noblest jobs in the world is to be a teacher. Most, if not all, of my great aunts are teachers, and I have a cousin who is a college professor. I have seen how much hard work they put in, for the meager salary they receive. I guess it is really their calling to help mold the future of the children entrusted to them. However, I do hope that government would be more focused on the needs of teachers, or face a bigger problem where we would see a shortage of people wanting to go into the teaching profession.
Thank you Eileen! I agree that teaching is one of the noblest professions too, and it does take passion and a calling to stick with it in some cases. I couldn’t imagine wanting to do anything else. Teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions and I think there is so much value in that. I don’t foresee any changes with our government regarding education any time soon. That makes me sad but I’ll continue to be hopeful and support teachers in the meantime. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I believe teachers are leaving because some of them are not getting a lot of support if the kids they are teaching are acting up. My sister and my best friend are both teachers and they always say that their students are so bad.
Student behaviors and discipline in schools are certainly an ongoing concern. Teachers need a lot of support when dealing with these issues. It may be the hardest part of the job in some cases. Thanks for reading!
Christine at for The Love of Teachers
My opinion is because of low wages and the big responsibility not being recognized. Being a good teacher requires so much and they do not have the support they need. Really sad.
It is really sad! Teachers work so hard without expecting anything really. The pay is low, there are no bonuses or pats on the back, and we get little to none school supplies. It hurts me to say it but there is a very obvious reason why teachers are leaving. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
It is really easy understand why teachers would want to leave the profession, and that’s a bummer. I have my master’s in educational leadership, and I couldn’t believe some of the things I read about while I was in school. It might be time for a total restructure.
A total restructure is the answer in my opinion, with the right people making the right decisions in education. I will hope and pray that this comes sooner than later. Thank you for reading! Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Really great post. I am going to share it. Also, I wanted to tell you I love the tagline “Passion led us here.” Teach on!
Thank you Amanda…for sharing my post and for loving my tagline. It’s all about passion and purpose! Isn’t it? Teach on! 🙂 Thank you for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I’ve also heard a lot of families are taking out their children to be homeschooled, whether from themselves or hiring a professional to do homeschool or community co-ops. We need an education reform! Maybe it will begin with former teachers running smaller community schools. Because let’s face it, I don’t think that the school boards or the secretary of education are willing to make the changes that are needed.
Good point Carmen! Homeschooling may be on the rise and a more appealing option to some these days. We certainly do need an education reform and we need it FAST! Sadly, I don’t think we will see the changes that are needed either. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
This is such a sad reality that good teachers are leaving their profession due to the factors including overwork and underpayment. And they find a lot of other options that pay better. Also, feeling unappreciated in a job they do so dedicatedly is disheartening. This is quite alarming as the future of any nation depends upon the good teachers. This needs to be looked upon as a serious issue and we should do everything we can to make things better for them. Hats off to the great job they’re doing!
Thank you Shaily! It is a sad reality and until something is really done about it, it will continue this way. It’s sad that educating our future is not top priority in this country. Keeping our teachers happy, appreciated and well paid is so important. You are right about a teacher’s dedication. I have never seen a profession that works as hard and are truly dedicated as teachers. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
It has to be a very frustrating time to be an educator. It is very sad that all the time, effort, and education that goes into becoming a teacher is not compensated as it should be. Add to that the conditions that are present in the public school system, and it is reason for further concern. I do hope thing get better! Thank you teachers for what you do!
Thank you Jackie! It’s surprising that with a teacher’s level of education (BA, MS and higher) and continuous professional development that the compensation remains the lowest out of many professions, even some that do not require a degree. It’s really unbelievable! Thank you for supporting teachers. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Unfortunately, everything you say here is true – teachers are underpaid, unappreciated (especially by the public), overworked, and disrespected. It’s not surprising that not only are veteran teachers leaving in droves, but NEW teachers are leaving within the first two YEARS! If there are no teachers to replace the tired and weary veteran ones, who will teach our kids? When will this trend reverse?
Thank you for this insightful post. It’s a sobering reality, but it’s also a rally cry!
Unfortunately, I don’t see this trend reversing any time soon. I foresee less (new) teachers entering the profession between all of the school safety issues and shootings plus veteran teacher forwarning them about the workload and demands. It is a harsh reality! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
This is so sad. We need good teachers to help our next generations. I hope we can make changes to help qualify teachers to stay in the field. Thanks for sharing.
It is, isn’t it! You make a good point! We need these good teachers, these role models and mentors, to teach and guide our future ;leaders. Isn’t that what’s important? Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
This is such an important read. We need to be empowering GOOD people to be teachers and encouraging them to stay in the profession they love by providing them with the right resources and a proper pay. They’re leading and inspiring our next generation, our future.
YES!!!! Imagine that…good teachers stay and do what they love with passion and purpose, getting the resources and salary that is deserved! Wouldn’t that be something. Being that this is NOT the case it sends the message that the next generation, our future, isn’t worth it. That disappoints me a great deal! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
This is just so frustrating! Teaching is a beautiful profession. I couldn’t imagine choosing a different career. There are so many rewards little/big rewards throughout the day while you work with your students…those moments of aha! But such little recognition and respect is earned outside the classroom.
It really is! I couldn’t imagine choosing a different career either, but I find myself torn about speaking up for what’s right. The moments of aha and the students keep teachers in the profession. I’m sad that teachers are appreciated and respected so very little. Why is that? I’ll always wonder. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I owe a lot to my professors for believing in my passion and helping me pursue my career path and it’s so sad that more and more of them are leaving their profession in search of greener pastures. I hope that the government will do something about this
I hear many stories about teachers helping students in so many meaningful ways, more than we know. It’s a teacher that makes a difference in the lives of sooo many children and adults. I don’t foresee the government doing anything about it any time soon! Makes me sad! 🙁 Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
A friend of mine left teaching to sell her own products online in the entrepreneurial space – you’re right! Totally sad but I can see why!
Yep…I am seeing so much more of that…teacherpreneurs at its best! These teachers are finding other ways to use their knowledge, experience and passion elsewhere. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Yes. I agree with you! I think teachers are the most underrated professionals ever. We entrust our children to them, yet, we, as a society, do not elevate and support them in a way that rewards the good that they do. We need a huge revolution to instigate a positive change. Thanks for raising awareness and bringing up this very important issue.
I completely agree with your point and think about that ALL time time dumbfounded why this is so. I can’t even begin to understand that the profession that teaches all other professions is extremely overworked and underpaid. Shame on our country! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I think it’s so sad that teachers are leaving the profession. But it’s entirely understandable. I wish there was more emphasis put on improving the school system in this country. It has a direct effect on how the next generations turn out. I work for the school district in Flagstaff, and can see teacher dissatisfaction first hand. Very concerning!
It is extremely concerning. I don’t foresee that there will ever be any emphasis on improving our school system in this country. In my opinion, it is only going to get worse! That makes me so scared and sad. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
My friend is a teacher and she is amazing, but is also wanting to get out! It’s so sad, but I totally understand why!
It is sad and I am glad you understand why. Teachers need support and I’m glad she has a good friend like you. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
The lack of decent pay for teachers in Oklahoma has been HUGE in the news this month! They could literally make so much more doing homeschooling for parents who don’t want to send their kids to public school. They could also start educating online through blogging and/or youtube. There’s so much opportunity. We just can’t rely on the State. :/
Good points! There are so many other options. I still can’t believe what the average teacher salary is. It really blows my mind. It makes me admire teachers more for doing what they do each and everyday and for putting up with all of the challenges in the educational system. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers