Why are So Many Teachers Quitting?

The turnoff, however, is that because schools are rated by levels, school districts receive more state and federal funding for higher accreditation levels. This in turn means more pressure for teachers.  Plus, teachers are responsible for educating students; therefore, if a student does fail a state test, a teacher must prove that he/she has taught the state objectives to the best of his/her ability. I could continue writing about this forever, and if you’ve ever been a subject area teacher, then you know the pressure that I’m referring to. Teachers have honestly been fired because their students’ test scores were not up to par.

In Mississippi, the subject area tests are in the following areas: English 2, Algebra I, US History, and Biology I. Mississippi recently adopted a new test format, hosted by Pearson, which incorporated Dr. Norman Webb’s depth of knowledge theories. Simply, the tests are very, very difficult. A teacher can be phenomenal, and all of his/her students will not pass that particular test. Principals really put the squeeze on teachers to raise test scores and attempt a no failure test result. It’s not really the principal’s fault because the principal gets pressure from the district superintendent, and the vice grips continue down the line.

I know that our schools need accountability, and I know that we want students to be prepared for college and any other endeavors when they leave high school. However, I don’t know what the solution is to keep teachers in the field. It’s a conflicting subject, and like me, many teachers are just bailing on the field entirely because the pressure is just too suffocating. I’ve even talked to a teacher that went into early labor because she was stressing out about her students’ test scores. It’s a stressful career, and I will always respect teachers, but the decision I made has improved my quality of life, and I have no less respect for any teachers who make a similar decision.

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