Article written by Dr. Kay Shurtleff, Research & Evaluation Analyst, Region 10 Education Service Center
Lack of respect, high stress, long hours, low pay, high stakes tests. These are all reasons teachers give for leaving the classroom and sometimes even the profession. With so many districts operating with unfilled positions, the teacher shortage is an issue that demands attention. Rather than approaching the problem from a deficit mindset and continuing to ask questions about why teachers have left, Region 10 Education Service Center decided to take a proactive approach and find out what motivates teachers to keep doing their jobs.
It has been established that a high-caliber teacher is the best way to ensure positive student outcomes and that high teacher turnover has a negative impact on student achievement.
According to the Texas Education Agency, 11.57% of Texas teachers left the education profession following the 2021-22 academic year (Texas Education Agency). That means, however, that 88.43% of them stayed in teaching. What insights can be gained from this majority regarding what keeps them returning to school every day?
To answer this question, a mixed-methods research study was conducted. Teachers from over a hundred districts, charters, and private schools in the region were invited to participate. Presented here is an abbreviated version of the full methodology, analysis, and findings.