Missouri Teacher Survey Finds 70% Consider Leaving Amid State Shortages

Across the United States, public schools are grappling with severe teacher shortages and staffing crises exacerbated by burnout, low pay, and increased job stress. In Missouri, over 70% of teachers have considered leaving the profession, citing stress, student behavior issues, and lack of administrative support, while average teacher salaries lag behind the state's minimum livable wage. Illinois lawmakers recently passed a bill allowing local districts to decide whether to include student test scores in teacher evaluations, reflecting a shift away from federally encouraged accountability measures. Meanwhile, in the UK, schools face budget shortfalls that threaten jobs despite government-mandated pay increases, with unions reporting rising redundancy threats. Some states are also adjusting teacher licensure requirements to address shortages, though experts note the teaching profession is increasingly unattractive due to political conflicts and challenging work environments. Amid these challenges, Mississippi stands out for significant gains in student academic performance, especially when adjusting for poverty, contrasting with ongoing struggles in other regions.