Gradient Learning Poll Project Tomorrow, a nonprofit educational organization, conducted a nationwide survey of hundreds of teachers and school leaders to better understand the state of education in America.
The survey showed that the country could be on the verge of a massive teacher shortage, as many teachers are dissatisfied with their profession and are considering leaving the field in the next few years.
“It’s disheartening to see teachers feel so exhausted and unsupported,” said Monica Milligan, director of programs for Gradient Learning. “Educators are asking for help, and we must answer their call by treating them with the respect they deserve. There is no backup plan for teaching our children.”
According to the survey, teachers have a bleak view of their profession:
· 74% would not recommend a career in teaching or education to a family member or friend.
· 64% are less satisfied with teaching today compared to before the pandemic.
· The Survey found that 95% of teachers and school leaders say that public disrespect is a very important or moderately important aspect of an educator’s decision-making process to remain or leave the profession.
To begin to mitigate this impending crisis, educators believe that increasing teacher salaries is crucial. Additionally, the majority of teachers (73%) and school leaders (80%) believe that fostering a school culture of positivity and collaboration is a “very valuable” potential solution to keeping more teachers in the profession.
“It is important to note that the trend of teachers planning to resign is shared by teachers of all experience levels. Only 57% of teachers who currently have 4-10 years of teaching experience see themselves still in the profession 5 years from now; only a third of those surveyed say the same thing 10 years from now,” the report says. “Such a large number of young educators considering leaving the field of education raises concerns about the future of the profession. This cohort should be entering the prime of their teaching careers, instead many are considering leaving.”
The top three reasons people wanted to be teachers are:
49%, to make a difference in the world
48%, to work with children
· 46% were inspired by a teacher in their own life.
For more details about the survey, go here.
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