A quarter of veteran teachers surveyed consider quitting the profession

A quarter of veteran teachers are having doubts about continuing in the profession or are considering a career change because of their experiences during the pandemic. But 70% do plan to continue teaching, according to the latest installment in a comprehensive teacher survey by the Inverness Institute. EdSource is partnering in presenting the Teacher Survey Project.

While not necessarily representative of all teachers, the 121 participants, chosen from networks of teachers involved in leadership and curriculum networks, do reflect the gender, geography and demographics of California’s teacher workforce.

The survey was taken in late January, amid the Covid-19 surge. Asked to choose from among seven options, 12% said they’d return to school short-term but would consider other options; 5% said they would consider quitting or retiring; and 8% were split among leaving the profession ASAP, leaving if they’d have to return to the classroom during the pandemic, and not returning to the classroom once schools reopen.

“The teaching profession could be at risk of losing a number of teachers. While many teachers will continue to teach, some would like to change schools or districts. Others want to leave the classroom or move away from education completely,” the researchers concluded.

Among the comments from teachers, who were assured anonymity to encourage candor:

• “I do not think I will leave the profession … but am strongly considering working in another educational role and not working in my current district.”
• “I have thought about quitting, which is something I never thought I would think about. But I am staying committed even though this year is unbelievably difficult.”
• “I plan on a career change if I don’t go back to the classroom.”

Go here to read more about the project and previous findings and here and here to read the latest reports.