Burnout, Low Pay, and Politics: Affecting Teacher Turnover and Diversity

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Rhonda Hicks, a dedicated Black woman teacher in Philadelphia, loved her job and cherished being a role model for children of color. However, she, like many others, faced deteriorating conditions in the profession. Demands from administrators regarding what and how to teach increased, leading to stress and frustration. As she nears retirement, Hicks joins a disproportionately high number of Black and Hispanic teachers leaving the profession in her state.

Teachers’ departure rates are rising, and educators of color are particularly affected. Stress from pandemic-related burnout, low pay, and the intrusion of politics into classrooms are major factors contributing to this trend. In schools serving high-poverty communities with a significant number of teachers of color, the burdens are even heavier.

Philadelphia, with a substantial Black population, has witnessed a decline in the proportion of Black teachers, dropping to less than 23% last fall from about one-third two decades ago. The lack of diversity among teachers is a concern because it denies students the chance to have role models who understand their culture and experiences.

In Pennsylvania, data analysis shows that Black and Hispanic teachers were more than twice as likely to leave the profession compared to white teachers after the 2021-22 school year. These teachers often find themselves in underfunded districts with fewer resources and worse working conditions, which contributes to their higher attrition rates.

Efforts to recruit teachers of color have been made, but retaining them remains a challenge. Schools need to create a supportive environment and provide opportunities for teachers of color to shape policies and curricula. Students of color must also have better experiences in school to consider teaching as a career path.

The last few years have been particularly trying for teachers everywhere, with the pandemic, distance learning, misbehavior, and mental health issues adding to their burdens. Additionally, educators’ salaries have fallen behind their peers in other professions, leading to waning morale and increased attrition.

Research indicates that Black teachers experience higher rates of burnout and are more likely to leave their jobs compared to white teachers. They often face more pressure from administrators, even from those who share their race and ethnicity. This pressure results in them being assigned more challenging students, leaving them with less time and attention for other students.

To address the issue, schools must focus on improving the overall experience of students of color, offering opportunities for teacher input and leadership, and promoting an anti-racist culture in education. These efforts can help retain diverse teachers, which is vital for fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Teacher Turnover

More about Teacher Turnover

• “Teachers Are Leaving Jobs in Growing Numbers, State Reports Show” (Source: U.S. News & World Report)
• “Philadelphia’s Declining Proportion of Black Teachers” (Source: WHYY)
• “Black Teachers in Pennsylvania More Than Twice as Likely to Leave Profession” (Source: The Philadelphia Tribune)
• “Research on Teacher Burnout and Attrition” (Source: RAND Corporation)
• “Teachers Unions Warn of Flagging Morale and Increasing Attrition” (Source: Education Week)
• “How Schools Can Improve Teacher Retention and Support Teachers of Color” (Source: Education Dive)
• “The Impact of Teacher Diversity on Student Outcomes” (Source: Learning Policy Institute)
• “Challenges Faced by Teachers of Color in High-Poverty Schools” (Source: The Hechinger Report)