Education has long been one of the oldest and most revered career fields, but like all things, the field has changed — as have the students, the classrooms and society’s regard for teachers. Teachers are entering and leaving the profession in alarming numbers, and administrations everywhere are trying to fix that problem. Teacher retention has become a primary issue facing districts all over the country.
Why Are Teachers Leaving?
Teachers are leaving for many reasons. Some are personal issues, but most are issues associated with the career choice. Teaching and accommodating student populations has become increasingly difficult. Some teachers feel underprepared to handle the variety of learning styles they may encounter in their classes. Student behavior has also become an issue; often, teachers feel unsupported by their administrations when it comes to punishment.
Teacher salaries have long been a point of contention. Some argue that since teachers have “summers off,” their salaries should reflect this. Teachers argue that they work far more hours in the school year than do others in different careers, which makes up for the time off in the summer.
New teachers can also have unrealistic expectations about the teaching field. They have heard about the satisfaction of teaching and mentoring students and making a difference in their lives. However, new teachers learn quickly that they are responsible for a lot of paperwork as well as dealing with parents and analyzing data for the most effective classroom strategies. For new teachers, time management is key, which causes some to leave the field.
What Happens When Teachers Leave?
When teachers leave their campus and field, it hurts a number of associated individuals. Leaving can cause disruption in the classroom for the students who have grown accustomed to the teacher’s methods. It can also damage morale and continuity on campuses if it happens frequently. Further, the number of quality teachers diminishes because districts constantly have to hire teachers who are brand new to the school or even the field itself.
How to Retain Teachers?
One of the most talked about means of retaining teachers is through mentoring. New teachers need someone to talk to who understands what they are going through. They need someone to tell them that things will get better with time. Effective programs typically pair a veteran teacher with a new teacher. They conduct sessions to discuss the best teaching practices and to brainstorm ideas. As a new teacher, having a mentor can guarantee a feeling of support and security in the knowledge that he or she has an advocate on campus.
Administrators need to be ready to be coaches and mentors for new teachers as well. It is important that they show interest in their personal growth and success instead of trying to pass the responsibility to someone else. Administrators need to provide professional development and accompany the new teachers in their classrooms when necessary.
Teachers and educators do more than simply “teach.” They often spend more time with their students than the students’ own parents do, imparting life lessons, skills and attributes that will carry them into adulthood. Because of this, it is important that districts and administrators have systems in place to keep their teacher retention high and their campuses happy.
Learn about the Lamar University online Master of Education in Administration program.
Sources:
Education Week: Empowered New Teachers Are Teachers Who Stay
