NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A survey of Tennessee teachers finds one third of them are considering a job change.
More than 45,000 teachers responded to the survey – that’s about 62% of the teachers in Tennessee. The Department of Education teamed up with Vanderbilt University to compile the results.
About 15,000 teachers answered they would leave the profession altogether for a higher-paying job if one presented itself. They said they would choose a different career if given a do-over.
Roughly 18,000 teachers said they feel less enthusiastic than when they began in education.
90% said they were generally satisfied working as a teacher in their school, but not all agreed they like how the school is run.
The report found that to increase morale, teachers need more time to focus – so minimizing disruptions. It asked school leaders to seek out what their teachers need, follow through and also take the lead on managing student discipline and behavior.
The research also points human resource leaders to building relationships with prospective teachers as early as their high school years. New teachers are likely to apply to schools in districts where they have connections.
The Department of Education also said mentoring programs could help lower than number of unsatisfied teachers. One in four new teachers doesn't have a mentor program offered to them.
