Main reasons why teachers are dissatisfied with their jobs

Perhaps the saddest thing about a new teacher satisfaction survey conducted by ProCare Therapy, a school therapy and teacher staffing organization, is that no one will be surprised to find out just how unhappy today’s educators are.

Of course, we all have anecdotes about schools being understaffed and teacher turnover seemingly higher than ever. But the survey’s data highlights alarming facts parents see every day in classrooms. According to the survey results, 47.2% of educators believe teaching has had a negative impact on their mental health.

Reasons for teacher job dissatisfaction include the quality of the school system, student-teacher ratios, and turnover rates. Autonomy and cost of living are important in terms of factors that influence whether teachers are satisfied with their role, according to the Teacher Safe Haven Index, which commissioned the survey.

Teachers at their best and worst

The index ranks all 50 states based on where teachers are the happiest. Here are the top 10 (in order):

• north dakota
• kentucky
• missouri
• west virginia
• Wisconsin
• south dakota
• nebraska
• Arkansas
• New Mexico
• Vermont

The 10 states at the bottom of the list for teacher happiness are:

• nevada
• hawaii
• Massachusetts
• Arizona
• rhode island
• Maryland
• california
• washington
• Alaska
• Florida
• Louisiana

According to the survey, 15.5% of teachers said they would be happier if their workloads were more manageable, 12.6% said a better work-life balance would improve their job satisfaction, and 10.9% said they would like to gain Mental health support.

How parents can better support teachers

Teachers face many more issues than many realize, such as budget cuts, changing curricula and even the politicization of their role in society, said Lightning Jay, Ph.D., professor of teaching learning and education at the University of Pennsylvania Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership.

In light of these findings, and the challenges of being an educator in America today, parents must help teachers be happier on the job. This will only lead to a better learning environment for the children.

In fact, as Stephanie Morris, senior vice president of ProCare Therapy says parents”, “Parents can be a powerful source of support for teachers, and there are some key ways they can make a real difference.

communication is key

First, Morris said open communication between parents and teachers is crucial. “Respectful and consistent conversations with teachers help parents stay informed and engaged, and make it easier to work through any challenges together,” Morris shared.

Suzanne Barchers, chair of the educational advisory committee for children’s gaming and learning app Lingokids, advises that patience and avoiding heated confrontations are key. “Show yourself as a collaborator,” Dr. Bachers advises, adding that parents shouldn’t expect teachers to be able to solve all of their students’ problems.

express your appreciation

Morris said simple gestures of appreciation also go a long way in supporting teachers. “A heartfelt thank you or a small token of appreciation can really remind them that their efforts are valuable,” she said. This can include donating school supplies, books and our time to the classroom, which Morris believes helps reduce the financial burden on teachers and improve their work-life balance.

“What teachers really need is daily appreciation,” Dr. Bachers added. She agrees with Morris that volunteering can really go a long way in supporting teachers, such as organizing a snack donation drive among classroom parents.

Don’t forget the other staff in the school including the principal, professional staff, librarians, secretaries, cleaners and canteen staff. “All of these people are committed to education. Many are paid very little,” Dr Bacher said.

Dr. Jay says parents who express gratitude to their teachers can make them feel like the job is worthwhile. And it doesn’t have to be anything complicated. “A quick note to tell the principal how great the teacher was; even a text saying ‘thank you’ can go a long way,” he said. “If a teacher has ever called home to tell you good news about a child that made your day, you know how meaningful a little praise can be, and you also know how easy it is to reciprocate.”

Supporting educators at a larger scale

Finally, Rachel Cederbaum, founder and lead academic coach at Gold Signature Writers LLC, which provides academic and enrichment services to students in grades K-12, and a former high school English teacher, says parents can support teachers on a larger scale because of excellence. “It’s also critical to join local committees and write letters to your local MP to advocate for teachers,” she urges.

Dr. Jay added that attending school board meetings is key, not just voicing dissatisfaction. “Teachers need to hear the voices of happy parents to balance the voices of angry parents,” he said.