K-State documentary spotlights why teachers leave — and how smart schools can retain top talent
The craft of teaching is not a walk in the park. It’s more like a full sprint with obstacle courses sprinkled throughout. Although teaching is difficult, it is one of the most fulfilling jobs, with ample opportunity for making a difference.
“Teachers get into teaching to make connections with students, to help them find a passion for learning, to guide them to become their best selves and to open doors for their future,” said CJ Reynolds, a teacher and education influencer. “But over time, it’s easy to lose focus of those goals. The stress is real, and it can wear you down. You must keep pace. If you stop running, if you stop caring, stop growing, it’s easy to feel the pull to give up.”
K-State is sharing information about why teachers leave the profession and how schools can retain their talented educators in a new documentary. The university’s dedicated researchers are brainstorming new training activities and are encouraging schools to implement stronger teacher support.
Why do teachers leave?
The world asks a lot of today’s teachers and gives them very little in return. Salaries are lower than ever, and teachers are feeling less respected, valued and heard.
New teachers feel alone and often give up before they get going because they think they must know what they are doing right from the get-go. Learning on the job seems taboo.
Teachers leave because they don’t feel supported by the education system or community, so they lose motivation.
“You have to have that support system, whether you’re a first-year teacher or a teacher that’s been teaching for 31 years,” said teacher Sonya Roberts.
Supportive solutions
When parents attend parent-teacher conferences, it encourages teachers to learn that their students’ learning is being supported from home. Community turnout to cheer and support students in extracurricular activities shows the care people have for schools.
When communities greet new teachers warmly and support educators in their personal and professional life, it makes teachers feel at home.
“When you are supported by your community, you feel respected and trusted because those are the parents of your students,” said Rebecca Kaufman, an elementary school teacher. “It is important to know that people care about what you are doing. When you have that respect and trust, you are going to work harder and try your best.”
A vital part of a teacher’s support system is the school administration. When teachers are given creative freedom, competitive salaries, better insurance, strong school boards and supportive peers, they are much more likely to stick to their passion for teaching.
“People need to remember that teachers are trained professionals in their work and need to trust them to do what is best for the kids,” said Tuan Nguyen, researcher and assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in K-State’s College of Education. “Teaching is one of the most difficult professions by far.”
Implemented tactics
Just like K-State, many schools are recognizing the need for change and are increasing efforts to retain teachers. Some schools are gathering groups of teachers to focus on teacher recruitment, and K-State is supporting schools like those in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, that have an educational leadership program to help teachers take the next step in their careers.
“At the end of the day, teachers want to feel needed, valued, supported and seen,” said Reynolds. “When a school and community can do all those things, teachers will choose to stay.”
By Kate Ellwood
Curated from Revive: Solving the challenges of teacher retention