Survey finds nearly half of teachers know a colleague who left teaching due to behavior

A Teacher Tapp survey revealed that nearly half of surveyed middle and high school teachers know colleagues who have left the profession due to student behavior. This announcement was shared in a post on the organization's website on April 11.

The survey highlighted that student behavior is significantly impacting teacher retention across all grade levels. Among middle and high school teachers, 46% reported knowing several colleagues who departed from the profession due to challenges in managing student behavior. Similarly, 38% of elementary school teachers reported the same, with another 46% indicating they knew one or two colleagues who left for similar reasons. This underscores how behavioral challenges are a concern in both primary and secondary education.

According to the Fordham Institute, post-pandemic student misbehavior remains a primary concern among educators. An overwhelming 81% majority of superintendents cited behavior as a more significant issue than academic decline, based on a 2023 survey. Teachers report increased classroom violence and disruptions, including fights, assaults, and defiance, leading to widespread burnout and even midyear resignations. National surveys confirm this trend, ranking student behavior as teachers’ top concern above pay and second only to worries about academic growth.

MyPayMySay reports that teacher liability insurance has become essential in today's educational environment due to increased student misbehavior potentially leading to legal challenges for educators. Teachers may face lawsuits for incidents such as breaking up fights or being accused of negligence, even when acting appropriately. This insurance provides crucial protection by covering legal defense costs and potential damages, thereby safeguarding teachers' careers and financial well-being.

Teacher Tapp is a daily survey app that gathers teachers’ perspectives on topics like education policy, workload, and classroom issues. According to its website, the platform offers valuable data-driven insights that help inform decisions throughout the education sector.