the undervalued teacher
Did you know that almost 50% of new teachers quit before year 5? Or that 300,000 educators have left their jobs since 2020? We aren’t just seeing spikes in teachers leaving the profession, we’re also seeing cafeteria staff, paraprofessionals, and custodians quitting. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why so many teachers leave the profession. It’s HARD! It’s an underpaid and thankless job that requires real creativity, heart, and problem-solving. Few jobs require that level of hands-on, in-the-moment problem-solving. Teachers are constantly “putting out fires” and managing ever-changing state-wide mandates, the social-emotional needs of their students, and creating engaging curricula. The majority of educators feel that low salaries, student behaviors, and lack of respect from parents or society are real problems.
To all the teachers and support staff out there — THANK YOU! You are the real MVPs. It takes a village to raise a kid and you are dedicating your careers to supporting the future of our society.
As a former teacher, I have a few reminders to help you get through the school year.
Stop working through your lunch period and take a break! We need to refuel our bodies and give our minds a break.
Do something each week that is just for you. This is one way to achieve a healthy work/life balance.
Relationship building is the foundation of your teaching practice. The best way to make an impact as a teacher is to be a real person and not function as a robot. Build relationships with your students as these connections will make students more attentive and curious about your lessons and more importantly make a lasting impression.