Reflections on The Great Resignation

Seasonal

I wrote this on Instagram and received a few requests to bring it my blog, so here we are! Please share your comments below!

The phrase Great Resignation has been used to describe the millions of American who have quit their jobs since 2021. People across different fields have let their jobs and that included the field of education. As a school leader, I have seen this up close and personal. Here is study conducted by Education Week that surveyed school leaders on staffing shortages. Schools across the country are dealing with shortages across school communities. While people will say that it’s the result of the pandemic, the pandemic only accelerated the path for many educators. Below are my top 8 facts (peppered with a few opinions) on the Great Migration.

Educators are key to a “free public education.”
US teacher preparation programs have reported shrinking enrollment numbers over that last decade.
Teachers are paid as much as 20% less than other college-educated workers with similar experience.
Teacher shortages threaten school quality and stability. I feel this daily.
Retaining and attracting effective teaches will require a pay increase and respect for the profession.
According to a survey from RAND, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization, nearly one in four teachers surveyed in early 2021 said they were likely to quit their jobs and be out of the classroom.
The teacher shortages is not going to resolve itself.
Since people are about banning things, how about we ban standardized tests. It’s all connected.

I believe the “Great Resignation” has been liberating for so many educators, and the impact on students is real. The data suggests this was coming with or without a pandemic. I am not criticizing people for doing what’s right for them, and those of us who chose to stay are doing our best in our school community with less. Heavy on the less. All love.

How has the Great Resignation impacted your school community?

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Tanesha B. Forman

I'm a current middle school administrator who loves breaking down complex topics and providing opportunities for educators learn, reflect, practice, and implement methods that foster equity and anti-racism. I believe we win together!

Behind the Blog

Hi, I'm Tanesha.

I’m a current middle school administrator who loves breaking down complex topics and providing opportunities for educators learn, reflect, practice, and implement methods that foster equity and anti-racism. I believe we win together!