Grand Canyon Times

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne has released a teacher retention survey indicating a crisis in the teaching profession. The survey, involving nearly 1,000 teachers who left the profession after 2023, reveals significant numbers departing due to lack of administrative support for classroom discipline and a desire for better pay.

The data shows an alarming rate of educators leaving within the first few years of teaching, with more teachers exiting than entering the classroom. Horne emphasized the severity of the situation: “This is a crisis, and it needs to be addressed immediately. In the most recent legislative session, I urged the passage of a bill that would require school leaders to support classroom teachers in discipline matters. Sadly, it did not get passed by the legislature and the crisis will not only persist but will just get worse.”

Horne also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve teacher compensation: “I have also consistently advocated for higher teacher pay, and yet legislative efforts have been rebuffed because of political disputes that do nothing to help improve the salaries of teachers.”

He concluded by stressing what educators need: “In short, just about any classroom teacher can tell you what they need to thrive as educators and lead students to academic excellence. Better pay and robust support from administrators on discipline are vital.”

The department surveyed a total of 945 teachers statewide. About 67 percent cited low pay as a reason for leaving. Nearly 64 percent agreed or strongly agreed that they left teaching due to student behavior and discipline problems. Almost 47 percent expressed dissatisfaction with their administration, while just over 45 percent were unhappy with working conditions.