A statewide survey of Texas teachers has revealed a startling statistic: 77% of teachers have seriously considered leaving their job in the last year. The survey, conducted by Raise Your Hand Texas and the Charles Butt Foundation, was presented at the 2023 South by Southwest EDU Conference.
The survey also found that 93% of teachers who considered leaving had taken steps to make that happen, such as updating their resumes or applying for jobs outside of teaching. When combined with other data showing more than half of all new teachers leaving after five years, it has left advocacy groups and educators concerned for the future of public education.
At the conference, teachers from Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD discussed their own experiences with the issue, citing a lack of staffing, low salaries, and a lack of benefits as some of the primary motivators for considering a career change. They also called for lawmakers to pass legislation that would bolster teachers’ work-life balance and remove unfunded mandates like House Bill 4545.
With the future of Texas public education at stake, advocacy groups and educators are working to make sure teachers have the resources they need to stay in the classroom.
