Teachers union survey reveals a desperate need for teachers

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – The state’s largest teachers union released the results of a new survey that highlighted a desperate need for teachers.

The Connecticut Education Association unveiled its results on Tuesday during a news conference Tuesday morning, and said it showed just how many educators are considering leaving the profession.

The CEA said the purpose of the survey was to serve as a wakeup call. The need for more teachers has been building with a slow and steady stream; but now some fear because of inaction, that levee is about to break.

Six-thousand teachers responded to the survey, the CEA said.

Seventy-four percent of educators said they were more likely to leave the profession early or retire.

In terms of numbers, some districts in Connecticut have been down hundreds of teachers.

Families, students, and existing staff said they can really feel the impact of that from the classroom all the way back home.

Teachers who responded to the survey revealed a rising dissatisfaction with the profession in terms of working conditions. There was also a high level of frustration and burnout.

The nationwide teacher shortage started before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, like many other aspects of life, it was exacerbated by 26 months of restrictions and disruptions.

In Sept. 2021, 38 percent of educators said they were more likely to leave the profession or retire early. That number rose to 55 percent in Jan. 2022. The most recent results had the percentage up to 74.

The president of the CEA called the numbers shocking and the direct result of the disrespect and low compensation and benefits for the teaching profession.

The CEA hoped the findings would lead to a call to action.

Copyright 2022 WFSB. All rights reserved.