Study Reveals Half of AZ Teachers Eyeing Career Changes Amidst Low Pay Woes

More than half of public school teachers in Arizona are considering leaving their jobs within the next two years if working conditions do not improve, a concerning finding from a recent study on the state’s ongoing teacher shortage crisis.

Commissioned by Governor Katie Hobbs’ Educator Retention Task Force, the report analyzes job satisfaction levels among both current and former teachers. The goal is to inform policy reforms that could encourage educators to stay in the classroom.

Arizona has been grappling with teacher retention issues for nearly a decade. A survey by the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association found that the state’s teacher shortage has persisted into its ninth year, with over 6,000 teaching positions unfilled or occupied by unqualified individuals just a month into the academic year.

The new survey unveils that the situation is likely to deteriorate further. Approximately 69% of teachers in Arizona contemplated leaving their profession over the past year, while 54% indicated they are at least somewhat likely to leave within two years.

Inadequate compensation emerged as the primary complaint among both current and former educators. During the 2021-2022 school year, Arizona ranked third-lowest in the nation for teacher salaries, while simultaneously facing some of the highest average class sizes. Nearly 75% of the teachers involved in the Arizona State University study cited dissatisfaction with their pay as a key reason for their consideration of leaving.

Increasing salaries could be a solution, as 93% of former teachers stated that a pay raise would entice them to return to the profession. “I loved teaching. I absolutely loved it,” remarked one former educator. “I can’t afford to be a teacher anymore. I would come back immediately if the salary matched what I could earn in the private sector.”

The financial challenges extend into personal lives as well. One former teacher shared that, due to student loans and medical bills, she had to seek alternative employment to afford relocation from her parents’ home. Another shared similar frustrations about housing instability, underlining how financial strain impacts decisions to leave education.

Discontent with state policies is another significant factor affecting teacher retention. About 70% of former teachers expressed feelings of being micromanaged and disrespected by state regulations, contributing to their exit from the profession.

The politicization of education has further complicated the situation. Teachers have found themselves in the crosshairs of culture wars, with some lawmakers accusing them of promoting leftist ideologies. Instead of increasing support for public schools, the focus has shifted towards advocating for school choice initiatives, such as private school vouchers. Respondents highlighted a lack of state support and inadequate funding for public schools as key issues causing increased workloads and diminished pay.

In light of recent concerns, many educators noted that heightened scrutiny from parents limits the instructional support they can provide. One teacher lamented about the fear of repercussions for discussing certain educational frameworks that have proven beneficial. “That’s just really disappointing,” she stated, indicating a stifled atmosphere for teachers.

Teachers emphasize their expertise in education policy, countering that they, not lawmakers, should guide discussions on effective teaching methods. A former teacher remarked, “We know what it takes to provide a quality public education. It’s disheartening when data doesn’t inform decisions about what’s best for students.”

Consensus among both current and former teachers points toward actionable solutions, such as incorporating educators into the policymaking process, reassessing the school voucher program, and increasing funding for public education. An overwhelming 96% of respondents prioritized raising salaries, while 91% emphasized the necessity of sufficient lesson preparation time to retain teachers in the classroom. Additional proposals included decreasing classroom sizes and reducing health insurance costs to improve teachers’ affordability.