Why Teachers Quit And Where Are They Going? 5 Ways To Support Them
20th March 2023
Research unveils that over 40% of teachers leave the profession within the first five years of their careers.
Teaching is a profession that requires patience, dedication, and passion. It can be both rewarding and challenging. However, many teachers find themselves quitting the profession, often before retirement age. According to a 2019 report by the Learning Policy Institute. So why do teachers quit and what can you do about it? Keep reading on to gain some valuable insights.
Why Are Teachers Abandoning Their Jobs?
There are several reasons why teachers decide to leave their jobs. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Unsatisfactory Financial Support
Low pay is one of the most common reasons why teachers quit. Despite the importance of their role in shaping young minds, many teachers are paid salaries that are well below the national average.
Studies reveal that the average teacher salary in the United States is around $60,000 per year. This may seem like a decent salary, but when you consider the high cost of living in many areas, it is not enough to make ends meet.
- Inadequate Support
Lack of support is another major reason why teachers quit. Many teachers feel like they are not getting the support they need from their school administration or colleagues. They may feel isolated and alone, and this can lead to burnout.
Teachers need to feel like they are part of a team and that they have the resources and support they need to succeed.
- Stress And Burnout
Excessive workload is another issue that many teachers face. The demands of teaching can be overwhelming, with long hours, grading papers, creating lesson plans, and attending meetings.
Teachers often take their work home with them, leading to a poor work-life balance. This can cause stress and exhaustion, which can contribute to teachers leaving the profession.
- Lack Of Proper Environment
Poor working conditions are also a factor that can lead to teachers quitting. Some teachers work in schools that are in disrepair, with outdated technology and inadequate resources. This can make it difficult for teachers to do their job effectively.
In addition, some teachers face difficult working conditions, such as overcrowded classrooms or challenging student behavior. These conditions can take a toll on a teacher's mental and physical health, leading to burnout.
- Absence Of Autonomous Mobility
Lack of autonomy is another reason why teachers quit. Many teachers feel like they are not given the freedom to teach in a way that works best for their students. They may be required to follow strict curriculums or teach standardized tests.
This can limit their creativity and make them feel like they are not making a real difference in their student's lives.
5 Ways To Retain Your Teachers During the Great Resignation
Here are some steps that can be taken to support teachers who want to leave teaching:
1. Encourage open and honest communication
Create a safe and non-judgmental space for teachers to discuss their concerns about teaching. By openly discussing the challenges of the job, teachers may feel less isolated and more supported in their decision-making process.
School administrators can provide this support by setting up confidential meetings or by arranging for a counselor or mentor to speak with teachers.
2. Offer Career Counselling
Teachers who are considering leaving teaching may not know what other career options are available to them. Schools can offer career counseling services to help teachers explore their interests, skills, and strengths, and identify other professions that might be a better fit for them.
Career counselors can provide information about job opportunities, the skills required for different careers, and the steps needed to transition into a new field.
3. Provide Professional Development Opportunities
Teachers who are considering leaving teaching may benefit from professional development opportunities that help them build skills that are transferable to other careers.
For example, workshops on public speaking, project management, or conflict resolution can be valuable for teachers who are considering a career in the private sector.
4. Connect Teachers With Alumni Networks
Schools can connect teachers who are leaving teaching with alumni networks and other professionals who have transitioned into other careers. This can be done through online forums or in-person networking events.
By connecting with others who have made the transition, teachers can gain insights into different careers and learn about the challenges and opportunities that come with changing fields.
5. Provide Financial Support
Leaving teaching can be a challenging financial decision, especially if the teacher has been in the profession for a long time. Schools can offer financial support in the form of severance packages or job placement services.
These resources can help teachers cover their living expenses while they search for a new job or pursue further education.
6. Celebrate Their Contributions
Teachers who decide to leave teaching should be recognized for their contributions to the school and the community. Schools can hold a farewell event or ceremony to honor their service and thank them for their dedication.
This can be a way to show that the school values the contributions that teachers have made, even if they are leaving the profession.
Be A Friend To Your Teacher
Supporting teachers who want to leave teaching is essential for their well-being and the health of the teaching profession. By creating a safe and supportive environment for teachers to discuss their concerns, schools can help teachers make informed decisions about their future careers. It is important to recognize that leaving teaching is not a failure, but a decision that requires careful consideration and support. If you want to handle your teachers better and prevent them from resigning, consider pursuing an Educational Administration & Management course to help them in their suffering.
