Choose Language
Choose Language
High-quality teachers are strongly linked to student achievement, significantly increasing high school graduation rates, college completion rates, and salary earnings. However, a myriad of challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and public attitude towards education are pushing teachers out of the profession. Now more than ever, the Texas legislature should support retention, recruitment, and development practices that strengthen our teacher workforce. When Texas supports its teachers, Texas supports its future.
Texas teachers have maneuvered through pandemic restrictions, school safety protocols, growing budget constraints, and additional state mandates, all while making sure our students receive a quality education. Even after helping Texas students recover from COVID-related learning disruptions, teachers are struggling to make ends meet and find fulfillment in their work. According to the 2022 Charles Butt Foundation Texas Teacher Poll, 41% of teachers work additional jobs out of financial need outside of their school, in most cases, during the school year. Additionally, more than 80% of teachers see insufficient planning time, non-instructional responsibilities, and high-stakes testing as obstacles to their effectiveness.