Underappreciated Teachers Are Leaving ... and Companies Want Them

The state of New Mexico has such as shortage of teachers right now that state administrators had to ask soldiers from the National Guard to step in as substitute teachers. This isn't a short term challenge either. Another concerning story describes how many teachers are leaving the world of education for more lucrative jobs in the private sector ... and businesses are hungry to hire them. According to federal data, the rate of people quitting jobs in private educational services rose more than any other industry in 2021. A recent poll revealed the disturbing reality that more than half of teachers are considering leaving the profession. It's easy to understand why.

We treat teachers terribly in America. They are undervalued, under respected, and underpaid, a reality that hasn't changed for decades. Now consider the skills a good teacher would bring to any other role. They are patient, empathetic, accustomed to working with few resources, independent and understand how to communicate to people on many different levels. Teachers, in other words, are the ideal employee for any business. Perhaps the only thing that should surprise us about how many teachers are leaving to find success in other sectors is why it took so long.