As a motivational education speaker who has many personal ties to education, faculties and universities, what is happening to the teaching profession breaks my heart.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from January 2021 to January 2022, about 70 million educators separated from the profession.
In my keynote educational speeches to educators and faculty, I often examine the reasons so many teachers are leaving the profession. Writing for Forbes magazine (February 1, 2022) Daphne Gomez points to several reasons and then talks to the turnover itself:
“But for a large majority of teachers, this is an opportunity to reevaluate their career path. Teaching is one remaining profession where many see themselves in one role for their entire career. But the last few years have shown teachers that their skills are valued in a number of other roles. Teachers are starting to realize that their path can be nonlinear and they are now able to pivot.”
I realize that across the nation teachers are seeking numerous opportunities. They have convinced themselves to reevaluate, and go outside of the profession as the result of poor pay and benefits, overwork, lack of support and an undeserved deficiency of respect. However, all that accelerating attrition is accomplishing is that more students are being left behind and more teachers are growing disillusioned.
Yes, tens of thousands of teachers have departed teaching as part of the so-called “Great Resignation,” but did you know that of the more than 33 million Americans who have left jobs more than 70 percent regret that move? What do they do now?
You Don’t Need Me to Tell You
When I deliver my motivational keynote talks to educators, the audience attendees frequently ask, in light of the latest findings, what I think the problem might be? My answer to teachers is sometimes surprising: “The solution to the problem is within you, not from without.” Of course, pay and benefits, support and respect need to improve, but the greatest gifts of all are those you give to yourself.
You don’t need me to tell you there is no other profession on earth that can make as much of an impact our children than teaching. You need to tell yourself.
You don’t need me to tell you that the world desperately needs educators more now than ever. You need to tell yourself.
You don’t need me to tell you that the reasons you decided to become educators are based on purpose, commitment, dedication, love and compassion. You desperately need to tell yourself.
As a motivational education keynote speaker and stepfather, I will tell you that a commitment to renewing your dedication and resolve to the profession rests on your determination to do so, a burning vision to heal and teach our children, and the re-kindling of your faith that your gifts, needed more than ever, are your highest purpose.
Scott Burrows, Motivational Education Keynote and Convocation Speaker is available for in-person or virtual presentations. Please contact Scott today at his office: 520-548-1169, or through this website.
