Why Teachers Are Leaving The Classroom: Stressed Out, Burned Out And Dropping Out
Many school districts across the United States are in the midst of a crisis: a teacher shortage. Part of the problem is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are other reasons why teachers are leaving their jobs at higher rates than before. On Aug. 29, 2022, SciLine interviewed Tuan Nguyen, an assistant professor in the College of Education at Kansas State University, about why teachers are quitting and what can be done to slow or stop the trend.
Tuan Nguyen talks to SciLine about teacher burnout.
Below are some highlights from the discussion. Please note that answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Can you share some data on typical rates of teacher turnover?
Tuan Nguyen: Before the pandemic, about 15%, 16% of teachers turn over every year. About half of that is teachers swi...