Next week, May 6th through May 24th, is Teacher Appreciation Week. This is the annual week where we honor the professional educators who ignite curiosity, instill a love of learning, and educate the future workers. While Teacher Appreciation Week is a wonderful initiative, it is essential to recognize why we have a national teacher shortage and what we can do about it.
Low Pay and Morale
Often cited causes of the teacher shortage are low pay and morale. Salaries for teachers often fall short of their education and experience. Forbes reports, “Research shows that public K–12 teachers are paid 20% less than the average college-educated person working in a non-teaching sector, despite working 52 hours during a typical school week. It comes as no surprise, then, that they are the most burnt-out professionals, with as many as 53% of teachers reporting feeling burnt out every or almost every day. Over the past decade, teacher job satisfaction has fallen from 39% (down from a historic norm of 50-60%) to just 12%. And more than 36,000 teacher vacancies went unfilled this past school year, with nearly a third of current teachers thinking about leaving.” Many educators struggle to make ends meet, leading to dissatisfaction and burnout. According to Forbes, “More than half of all American teachers work outside of their full-time teaching job, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, with 17% working outside education, including driving Uber, gardening, retail, and, yes, waitressing.”
Political and Parental Pressure
Teachers face academic pressures driven by standardized testing, curriculum changes, and accountability measures. These demands can be overwhelming and hinder their ability to focus on effective teaching. Political pressures also play a role. Education policies and funding decisions impact classroom dynamics, leaving teachers feeling disempowered. A recent study by the Rand Corporation found, “a majority of American teachers are circumscribing lessons on political or social topics due to worries over parental complaints, and amid a wave of legislation that has reshaped how educators are allowed to discuss race, history, sex and gender in the classroom.” According to Education Week, “Teachers say they feel caught in the midst of a culture war, and they want politicians to stay out of their classroom decisionmaking.”
Retirement
A generation of teachers is nearing retirement. Their departure leaves gaps that are hard to fill. Meanwhile, prospective teachers hesitate to enter the profession due to its reputation and perceived sacrifices. Public perception of teaching impacts recruitment. When teaching is undervalued, fewer individuals choose it as a career. Respect for educators—both from society and policymakers—matters. Acknowledging their vital role can attract new talent.
Read more about causes of the teacher shortage here.
Solutions Needed
Addressing the teacher shortage requires long-term strategies. Short-term fixes won’t suffice. Recruitment and Retention strategies must prioritize teacher well-being, professional development, and fair compensation. But- what can you do now to celebrate the teachers in your life?
- Meaningful Gifts: Skip the generic mugs and consider personalized gifts. A handwritten letter, a book recommendation, or a heartfelt thank-you card can make a lasting impact. Check out our page of free, thoughtful ideas your child can use to recognize their teachers.
- Listen and Learn: Engage in conversations with teachers. Understand their challenges and successes. Your empathy matters.
- Celebrate Creativity: Highlight teachers’ innovative approaches. Share their success stories within your community.
- Advocate for Change: Support politicians with policies that elevate the teaching profession. Fair wages, better working conditions, and professional development opportunities matter. Supporting education policies and funding ensures that teachers can focus on what matters most: the students. Make sure you are registered to vote and research the candidates for school board, state legislature, and governor and their positions on educators and public education.
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