Introduction to Teacher Satisfaction in Texas
Texas has seen a decline in the number of teachers considering leaving the classroom, according to recent polling from the Charles Butt Foundation. However, two out of every three teachers reported they were still thinking about changing careers. This figure is down year-over-year, with three out of four teachers considering it last year. The most recent data is the lowest reported figure since 2020.
The Current State of Teacher Satisfaction
Kendra Montejos Edwards, one of the poll’s researchers, stated that "that is still a high percentage of teachers seriously considering leaving the classroom." The decrease in the number of teachers considering leaving is a positive sign, but it is too early to determine whether Texas is trending in the right direction on teacher satisfaction. The new polling is a marked improvement, but it is far from the goals of retention that education officials are striving toward.
Factors Contributing to Teacher Attrition
Michelle Williams, a third-grade teacher at Benbrook Elementary School and the leader of a Houston ISD teachers union, has more than a quarter-century of teaching experience. She said she is leaving the profession entirely after this school year due to the politicization of public schools. Williams believes that the increased scrutiny on public education curricula, extra-curricular activities, teachers, and finance is to blame for the attrition.
What Teachers Want
The Butt Foundation’s 2025 teacher report points to factors that teachers would consider when deciding whether or not to continue educating. About three-quarters of all teachers said smaller class sizes and additional support from campus administrators would affect their decision, while nearly all of them — 94 percent — said a significant salary increase would affect their decision. Montejos Edwards noted that "there’s a through line of just needing more of that support from people that are closer to them, which is those campus admin."
Teacher Concerns About Student Performance
The poll interviewed nearly 1,200 teachers across the state from different backgrounds and school districts. Three-quarters of teachers also said they felt their students began the 2024-25 school year below their expected grade level. This concern highlights the need for additional support and resources to help students succeed.
Conclusion
While the decline in the number of teachers considering leaving the classroom is a positive sign, there is still much work to be done to improve teacher satisfaction and retention in Texas. Teachers are calling for smaller class sizes, additional support from campus administrators, and significant salary increases. By addressing these concerns, education officials can work towards creating a more supportive and sustainable environment for teachers and students alike. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a system that values and supports teachers, allowing them to provide the best possible education for their students.
