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How can we retain teachers as schools reopen?

Being a teacher has always been a challenging profession, but in recent years, the stress and pressure on educators have reached unprecedented levels. As someone who has spent over two decades working in K-12 schools, first as a teacher and then as a principal, I have witnessed firsthand the toll that these demands have taken on the teaching profession.

One of the most alarming trends in education today is the high rate of teacher turnover. Between 2020 and 2022, approximately 300,000 public school teachers and staff resigned from their positions, leaving a staggering 55,000 teaching positions unfilled across the country. According to a Gallup poll, K-12 teachers have the highest burnout rate of any profession, with nearly a third considering leaving the profession altogether.

The reasons for this mass exodus are varied, but one common factor is the lack of support and resources available to teachers. While improved salaries would certainly help, the issue runs deeper than just financial compensation. Schools need to become places where teachers feel valued and supported, where they can focus on their passion for teaching and helping students learn.

One major source of stress for teachers is the increasing pressure they face from external sources. Educators have been thrust into the center of cultural and political battles, forced to navigate contentious issues such as school closures, mask-wearing policies, and changes to curricula to fit conflicting political agendas. They have become scapegoats for decisions made at the district level and face unwarranted criticism from parents and government officials.

Inside the school walls, teachers are also contending with rising levels of violence and absenteeism among students. A study from the Institute of Education Sciences found that since the pandemic, incidents of physical violence, threats of violence, and bullying have increased in K-12 schools. Chronic absenteeism is also on the rise, forcing teachers to adapt their lesson plans and goals to accommodate students who are frequently missing school.

Furthermore, the teacher shortage and budget cuts have resulted in increased workloads for those who remain in the profession. Teachers are being asked to take on additional responsibilities, such as morning drop-off, lunch supervision, and afterschool programs, without adequate compensation. Many teachers are already working second jobs to make ends meet, further exacerbating their burnout and dissatisfaction with their jobs.

To address these challenges and retain more teachers in the profession, it is crucial that school districts and local governments prioritize funding for public schools. States like Connecticut, Hawaii, and Utah are cutting education budgets, while others are considering rejecting federal education funding. In Texas, lawmakers failed to approve teacher pay increases despite a significant budget surplus.

In addition to increased funding, schools can make concrete changes to support their teachers. Administrators can show teachers that they value their expertise by supporting them in dealing with difficult parents and respecting their time. Simple gestures like canceling unnecessary meetings, providing prepared meals, or offering services like dog-walking or laundry can go a long way in showing teachers that their well-being is a priority.

Ultimately, if we want to ensure the success of our students, we must prioritize the well-being of their teachers. By creating supportive and nurturing environments for educators, we can help them rediscover the joy of teaching and inspire the next generation of learners.

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