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There has been a rash of public school teachers across the U.S. protesting and going on strike for higher pay (and better conditions). Combined with increasing numbers of school shootings – a danger that didn’t really exist a generation ago -- there is concern about the looming teacher shortage.
What are the reasons that teachers give for quitting their jobs?
One set of factors are purely financial and relate to simply feeling overworked and being underpaid
Not only is pay a concern, but teachers often have to buy learning materials out of their own pocket because the schools can’t afford them. But financial factors are only the tip of the iceberg.
Another set of factors that cause teachers to get frustrated and quit relate to lack of support.
Teachers report not being respected and not supported by school administrators or parents.
Teachers who quit also mention that they feel like a scapegoat for the problems caused by a lack of accountability among parents or students
Contrary to stereotypes, teaching is stressful. For example, teachers mention having to deal with class sizes that are too big to manage. Many feel that there is not enough time in the day to complete all of the bureaucratic paperwork, attend (often unnecessary) meetings, let alone teach, grade, and provide constructive feedback. This leads to burnout and turnover.
Perhaps the largest set of psychological issues that teachers face are created by the educational system. Many teachers complain that there is too much pressure placed on student performance. Teachers are blamed for poor student performance, and there is pressure to “teach to the test” so that students receive better test scores. One teachers says, “I’m basically a data collector.” Another says, “We are asked to live up to unrealistic standards placed on us by the school district and the state.”
Finally, teachers feel they lack autonomy and control. Many complain that the required curriculum is narrow, doesn’t allow for flexibility, and requires a pace of teaching/learning that is unsustainable. With all of this pressure, some teachers complain about a lack of work-family balance, and this can be a major reason to quit the profession.
What are the answers that will make teaching a more attractive profession? How can our educational system be improved?
Change is not going to come easy.
1.Federal, state and local governments need to decide to put more financial resources into education.
2. Teachers need to play a role in the design of the curriculum, have more autonomy, and standards need to be more flexible. Here is a post on an example educational program from Latin America that has been highly successful.
3. Parents need to play a larger role in the education process, and support teachers more.
4. Administrators need to be leaders who realize that teachers are professionals who need to be empowered and supported, instead of directed and blamed.
The impact of teachers on children is enormous. Improving our educational system, and improving the work lives of teachers should be a national priority.
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