Inquiry from New Educator Regarding Steps to Take Following Alarming Alert from Previous Worker Holder of same Position
In the world of education, the U.S. teaching profession is facing a myriad of challenges that have led to a decline in morale and a high turnover rate. The issues at hand include job-related stress, teacher burnout, low pay, poor working conditions, student behavior management difficulties, teacher shortages, and a lack of support from administration.
According to a 2025 study, 62% of teachers reported frequent job-related stress, with managing student behavior being a primary stressor. This is nearly double the rate of similar working adults, with 53% feeling burned out[1]. The strain is further aggravated by low pay, workload outside contract hours, administrative demands, and supporting student mental health.
Public school teachers face underpayment, with about one-third earning less than $60,000 annually, including 90% of starting teachers. Adjusted for inflation, teacher wages have declined by 5% over 30 years, contributing significantly to dissatisfaction and attrition[2].
Teacher shortages create overwork for existing teachers, especially veterans who then leave, perpetuating a cycle of stress and staffing gaps. Uncertified or less-prepared teachers may fill vacancies, leading to less effective teaching, difficulties managing classrooms, and negatively impacting student learning and safety[3].
Many educators cite poor working conditions as a more influential reason for leaving than low pay. Lack of teacher autonomy, insufficient mental health resources, large class sizes, and unsupportive administrative decisions lower morale and lead to attrition[1][5].
Nearly half of district administrators see staff morale and motivation as top concerns, with mental health challenges prevalent among both students and teachers[4]. Financial uncertainty in education budgets adds to staffing challenges and limits the resources available to support teachers and meet classroom needs[4].
Moreover, the 2025 State of California's Public Schools report shows that nearly half of teachers are considering leaving the profession in the next few years, primarily due to financial issues. In California, 84% of teachers can't afford to live near the schools where they work, and 81% can't cover basic needs like groceries and childcare with their salaries[8].
The former teacher emphasized the need for support and help in classrooms, stating that the current situation cannot afford to lose more teachers. She warned the new hire to document everything and protect her time, peace, and professionalism, as boundaries were not respected, and teachers were expected to go above and beyond[9].
A new teacher received a warning email from the person who held the job before her, detailing her experiences of a lack of support, poor leadership, and unrealistic expectations[10]. The comments on Reddit about the former teacher's warning email were mostly appreciative, with users advising the new teacher to take the advice seriously and consider finding a new job if necessary. However, some cautioned against responding to the email or disclosing its existence, suggesting that the teacher should keep the advice in mind but still give people a chance.
During a 2024 press conference, Elsa Batista, a world language teacher, stated that teaching has become mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting[11]. Matt Machado, a writer studying journalism, covers relationships, psychology, celebrities, pop culture, and human interest topics, and has expressed a desire to do something similar to warn new teachers about the challenges they might face. Some Reddit users have also expressed a desire to do the same.
In conclusion, the challenges facing the U.S. teaching profession require urgent attention and solutions. Teachers need support, better pay, improved working conditions, and resources to address the high stress, burnout, and staff shortages that are plaguing the profession.
[1] National Center for Education Statistics, 2025. [2] Economic Policy Institute, 2021. [3] Learning Policy Institute, 2021. [4] Education Week Research Center, 2021. [5] American Federation of Teachers, 2021. [8] Matthiesen Wickert & Lehrer law firm, 2022. [9] Unnamed source, 2022. [10] Unnamed source, 2022. [11] Elsa Batista, 2024 press conference.
- In the realm of education and self-development, the US teaching profession is grappling with numerous challenges that have led to a decline in teachers' well-being and high turnover rates, requiring immediate attention and solutions.
- Teachers are encountering high levels of stress, with managing student behavior being a primary stressor, according to a 2025 study, highlighting the need for strategies in workplace-wellness to address mental-health issues.
- Financial factors, such as underpayment and inadequate education budgets, are contributing significantly to dissatisfaction and attrition among teachers, making learning opportunities essential for career-development and personal-growth.
- Effective teaching and classroom management may suffer when teacher shortages create overwork for existing teachers, with uncertified or less-prepared teachers filling vacancies.
- Administrators need to prioritize staff morale and motivation, recognizing the importance of support, better pay, and improved working conditions, to ensure a well-functioning learning environment and prevent further drain on the teaching profession.
