More and more teachers are leaving the classroom every day, and it’s not because they don’t love teaching. The truth is, that the education system seems to be breaking them down. The long hours, low pay, and constant pressure to perform have become unbearable for many who once dedicated their lives to teaching.
Every day, educators are faced with overcrowded classrooms, budget cuts, and outdated resources, none of which make it into the textbooks. On top of that, the emotional toll of dealing with students’ struggles, combined with the lack of support from school administrations, has left many teachers feeling like they’re fighting a losing battle.
According to a survey by EdWeek Research Center conducted in July 2021, 60% of teachers experience job related stress frequently or always. It’s not just burnout, but it’s a system that’s failing the very people who are meant to inspire the next generation.
“I think teachers are leaving the field because they are not paid what they are worth,” said English teacher Amanda Crouch. “They’re being held to an impossible standard.”
Teachers are working around the clock, often staying late after school hours to grade papers, prepare lessons, and meet with parents, all while being paid far less than they deserve. They spend their evenings and weekends trying to catch up on or grade everything they can’t get done during the school day.
Despite all the extra hours and the emotional energy they pour into their students, teachers are still underpaid and overworked. With rising living costs and no real increase in compensation, it’s no wonder that so many are walking away from the profession. They are giving everything to their students, but in return, they’re left drained, under-appreciated, and unable to make ends meet.
In North Carolina, the average salary for a public school teacher is around $56,000 per year, which is significantly lower than the average salary of other professions that require less education or responsibility. For example, some retail store managers or fast-food restaurant managers in the state can earn up to $60,000 annually, often with fewer demands on their time and emotional energy. The average weekly wages of teachers have been nearly flat since 1996. That means in almost 28 years, teacher salaries have barely been adjusted for inflation. This pay difference highlights how overlooked educators are, despite the critical role they play in shaping the future and preparing students for their adult lives.
Many teachers feel they are fighting an uphill battle when it comes to support from parents, especially when students aren’t held accountable for their actions. It’s becoming increasingly common for parents to side with their children, dismissing teachers’ concerns instead of working together to address behavior issues or academic struggles. This lack of support creates a divide where teachers feel like they’re on their own, left to manage classrooms without the backing of families. Nearly 50 percent of new teachers leave the profession within their first five years.
“I think schools need to focus more on retaining the teachers they already have over recruiting new ones because there’s a five-year turnover rate which means after five years a majority of teachers quit. So they need to be giving their attention to the existing teachers who give everything they have to the job,” said Crouch.
On top of that, the rise of AI and online resources has made cheating easier than ever. Teachers are seeing an influx of assignments that are not the student’s own work, and when they attempt to address it, they’re met with defiance and dismissal. This sense of helplessness, with no real accountability from students or their parents, leaves many educators questioning their ability to make a difference in their student’s lives.
Overcrowded classrooms and disrespectful students are another big thing that is pushing many teachers to quit. With more and more students in each class, teachers have to divide their attention between so many people that it’s nearly impossible to give each student the help they need. On top of that, some students aren’t even willing to learn, often being rude and disruptive during lessons. It makes teaching feel impossible.
“I think some of the main reasons teachers are quitting their job is because of a lack of an increase in teacher pay,” said social studies teacher Maya Morse. “combined with a lack of respect for teachers and the decisions that they make each day”
If more teachers quit, class sizes would grow, making it harder for students to get the attention they need. The quality of education would drop, as schools may rely on less experienced staff. Over time, this could lead to a crisis, with students falling behind and fewer teachers to help them succeed.
Teachers are leaving because they’re tired of being overworked, underpaid, and unsupported. They’re the ones who show up every day, giving their all to make sure students have the tools to succeed, but they’re not getting the same effort in return. The long hours, disrespectful students, and lack of resources make it impossible for them to keep going. Students rely on them to guide us, but if we don’t start valuing and supporting them, we’ll lose the educators who are truly dedicated to helping us. It’s time for everyone to stand up for teachers before they’re all gone.
“I’ve thought about quitting teaching many times,” said Crouch. “I often wonder if I’d have a better work-life balance at a different job, but ultimately I love the profession, and I just have to navigate its flaws.”
