The Gradient Learning Poll, a survey of 639 teachers and school leaders from across the United States, found that many teachers are dissatisfied with their profession, are considering leaving the field altogether, and perceive a lack of public respect as a major contributing factor. Only 9% of teachers report being very satisfied with their teaching career.

The current state of teacher dissatisfaction may lead to a future exodus, as only 27% of teachers who responded to the survey said it is very likely that they will still teach five years from now.

According to the 2023 Gradient Learning Poll, which surveyed 639 educators across the country, teachers are dissatisfied with the teaching profession.

It is important to note that the trend of teachers planning to quit is shared by teachers across experience levels. Only 57% of teachers who currently have 4-10 years of experience in teaching see themselves still in the profession in 5 years; only one-third of respondents say the same for 10 years from now. Such a large number of young educators considering leaving the field of education raises concerns about the future of the profession. This cohort should be entering the prime of their teaching careers, instead many are considering leaving.

95% of teachers and school leaders say that lack of public respect is a highly or moderately important aspect of an educator’s decision to leave the profession.

Gradient Learning Poll 2023

The Gradient Learning Poll asked teachers and school leaders to specifically note the importance (high, moderate, low, not sure) of various factors impacting their decision to stay in or leave the profession. Both teachers (74%) and school leaders (79%) report that one of the most important factors was the lack of public respect for the teaching profession. Comparatively, that factor ranked almost as highly for teachers as additional workload and compensation. Only 2% of teachers say that public respect is of low importance in a teacher’s decision to leave the profession.

In addition, 80% of teachers and 87% of school leaders report that national politicization is a highly or moderately important aspect of an educator’s decision to stay or leave the profession.

“It is so hard to hear the disparaging remarks of politicians, parents, and media about schools and teachers. I would like to see our profession given the respect we deserve.”

Middle School Teacher, Oregon

73% of teachers believe that fostering a school culture of positivity and collaboration would help retain teachers.

80% of teachers feel more job satisfaction when they’re supporting students beyond academic development.

The national survey asked teachers and school leaders to consider possible solutions to help sustain the teaching profession. Both teachers and school leaders agreed that increasing educator salaries is crucial, as is having greater recognition in the community about the importance of teaching.

Educators also expressed the joys of teaching in this survey. Teachers highlighted that the primary reason they became educators was the desire to make a positive difference for their students and their community.

The top three reasons people wanted to be teachers are:

A majority of teachers (73%) and school leaders (80%) believe that fostering a school culture of positivity and collaboration is a “very valuable” potential solution to address the teacher retention crisis.

Additionally, the vast majority (80%) of teachers claim they feel more job satisfaction when they are supporting students beyond academic development. This includes helping students grow as whole people by supporting them academically, emotionally, and cognitively.

All of the data from the Gradient Learning Poll reinforce that educators crave and deserve learning environments that are rooted in respect and designed to help teachers and students do their best work. This means providing school leaders and teachers with the necessary coaching and professional support they need to do what they love most: helping students thrive academically and develop the skills and values they will need to succeed beyond the classroom.

“It’s disheartening to see teachers feeling so tired and unsupported. Educators are asking for help, and we must answer their call by treating them with the respect they deserve. There is no back-up plan to teach our children.”

Monica Milligan, Chief Program Officer of Gradient Learning