Teacher burnout: These are the reasons why educators are leaving the profession

In the US, the first full week of March is a celebration for the country’s teachers. This year, the occasion carries more significance as school administrators and state officials explore policies and legislation to attract new teachers and retain those already in the profession.

The No Child Left Behind Act required individuals to obtain a state credential to teach in public schools. The specific requirements for this vary by state, but all require at least a bachelor’s degree. This degree can be earned before or during the credentialing process. Additionally, individuals must pass a state-specific credentialing exam to be eligible to teach in that state. These exams test the general knowledge and awareness of the specific subjects one would be allowed to teach.

After completing and passing the exams, teacher trainees must undergo a background check. Additionally, they may need a medical examination to confirm their vaccination status and ensure they are not infected with highly contagious illnesses such as tuberculosis.

The National Education Association reported in 2021 that of the 45 percent of teachers who took out student loans to finance their education, the average amount due totals $55,800. Even more shocking is that 14 percent of borrowers who go into teaching owe $105,000 or more.

How many teachers are there?

In 2022, there were 2.4 million primary and secondary school teachers, down 4.2 percent from the figure recorded in 2021. In 2022, median pay fell for kindergarten and primary school teachers in real and nominal terms; that for secondary school teachers increased slightly in nominal terms but was not significant enough to change one’s purchasing power.

The United States is losing teachers at an alarming rate, negatively impacting the education of children and teenagers. This shortage results in larger class sizes, increased reliance on unaccredited long-term substitutes, and a higher risk of overlooking students who require extra support.

American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education reported earlier this year that between 2008 and 2019, the number of people enrolled in teacher credential programs dropped by a third. More concerning is that as the student population becomes more diverse, credential programs do not reflect those same trends. The National Bureau of Economic Research has found that Black students who have at least one teacher of color between kindergarten and third grade were nine percent more likely to graduate from high school and were more likely to attend college.

The reasons why educators are quitting

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Teachers are reporting that the stress involved with the job is increasing for many reasons. Salaries for educators aren’t keeping up with inflation and student apathy is growing as schools try to battle problems with students’ decreasing attention spans and dependancy on computers and smartphones.

These are just some of the issues that teachers are facing, as well as conflicts with parents and lack of discipline at home and in the classroom.