Why Do Teachers Leave the Classroom? Addressing the 8 C's of the Teaching Crisis
Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
In October 2024, Dreamwalkers Meditations had the honour of discussing the pressing issue of teacher retention on The Teacher Hotline with Ronald Hae. During Episode 70, titled Why Do Teachers Leave the Classroom, we explored the eight key reasons why so many talented educators are stepping away from their roles. This blog post delves into those “8 C’s” and what they reveal about the current state of education.
Care: Burnout in a Profession Built on Heart
Teachers enter the profession because they care deeply—about their students, their subjects, and the impact they can make. But caring in a system designed to set educators up for failure can lead to burnout. Moving targets, invisible bullets, and shifting priorities make it feel impossible to meet expectations.
When teachers are continually asked to “pivot” without proper support, their passion becomes a liability. Burnout doesn’t just harm teachers; it impacts students, classrooms, and the profession at large. A 2023 study by the National Foundation for Educational Research found that teacher well-being is directly correlated with student performance, further emphasizing the importance of supporting those who care so deeply.
Chaos: Unmanageable Classrooms, Unmanageable Workloads
The current state of many schools can be described as nothing short of chaotic. Growing behavioural health needs, violence in schools, and a lack of support staff make it nearly impossible for teachers to focus on education. Oversized classes with diverse and complex needs leave teachers feeling overwhelmed.
The teacher shortage compounds this problem, often resulting in underqualified individuals stepping into roles without adequate preparation. A 2022 report from the Learning Policy Institute highlighted that teacher shortages often lead to increased workloads for existing staff, further contributing to burnout and chaos in schools.
Consequences: The Accountability Gap
Inconsistent or nonexistent consequences for disruptive behaviours create an environment where teachers feel unsupported. When principals avoid suspensions, and boards fail to back disciplinary measures, teachers are left to manage increasingly unruly classrooms alone.
Worse still, educators are often blamed for student behaviours they cannot control. The lack of accountability sends a clear message: teachers are on their own. This erodes morale and fosters a sense of helplessness, making the profession untenable for many.
Controllers: Out-of-Touch Leadership
Many educators feel stifled by decision-makers who are disconnected from the realities of the classroom. Whether it’s school boards resistant to change or principals lacking proper management training, the result is the same: teachers feel unheard and unsupported.
The emphasis on box-ticking over practical solutions only exacerbates the issue. Creativity and innovation—qualities that could reinvigorate education—are often sidelined in favour of outdated approaches.
Communication: A System of Silos
Effective communication is the foundation of any successful system, yet it’s sorely lacking in education. Teachers often receive minimal training on new curricula, policies, and procedures, leaving them scrambling to adapt.
The disconnect doesn’t stop there. Report cards are a prime example of how misaligned expectations between administrators, teachers, parents, and ministries of education create unnecessary stress. A 2021 study in Educational Management Administration & Leadership found that poor communication is one of the leading factors contributing to workplace dissatisfaction among teachers.
Curriculum: Unrealistic and Outdated
The curriculum is another major pain point. Teachers are expected to cover an overwhelming amount of material, often at the expense of meaningful, child-centred learning. The focus on grades rather than mastery creates unnecessary pressure for both students and teachers.
Inadequate training on new curriculum updates only compounds the problem. A report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) noted that teachers need ongoing professional development to meet the evolving demands of education effectively.
Cash Flow: Misplaced Priorities
It’s not always about needing more money—it’s about using existing funds wisely. Teachers often see funds wasted on unnecessary professional development or overpriced contracts for maintenance. Meanwhile, essential resources like classroom support and student services remain underfunded.
When teachers aren’t consulted on spending decisions, it leads to frustration and inefficiency. A 2020 study from Education Finance and Policy found that teacher input in budgeting processes can lead to more effective allocation of resources and higher job satisfaction.
Confidence: Erosion of Public Respect
Recurring strikes and negative media portrayals have eroded public confidence in teachers. They’re often unfairly seen as complainers or indoctrinators rather than educators. This loss of respect makes it even harder for teachers to advocate for the support they desperately need.
The fear of lawsuits also plays a role, as it discourages accountability and emboldens disruptive behaviours in classrooms. The current culture of distrust and negativity further dissuades teachers from staying in the profession.
Dreamwalkers Meditations: Supporting Teachers Through Mindfulness
At Dreamwalkers Meditations, we understand the immense challenges teachers face. That’s why our programs are designed to provide practical, effective solutions for educators. Mindful Minutes offer a way to reduce chaos, foster better communication, and build resilience in both teachers and students.
By incorporating mindfulness practices into schools, we can address many of the root causes driving teachers out of the profession. Meditation helps:
Reduce stress and burnout.
Improve focus and emotional regulation in classrooms.
Foster stronger connections between teachers and students.
A Call to Action
Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and we must do better to support them. Addressing the 8 C’s requires systemic change, but small steps—like introducing mindfulness programs—can make a significant impact.
Together, we can create an education system where teachers feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Let’s start by listening to their needs and giving them the tools to succeed. After all, when teachers thrive, students do too.