Top 8 Reasons Teachers Are Quitting Their Jobs — And What It Means

Across the world, education systems are under serious strain. From Australia to the UK to the U.S., teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers. The reasons aren’t just about money — they’re about mental health, unrealistic demands, and a growing sense that the system is broken.

Here are the 8 most common reasons teachers are quitting their jobs — and what it means for the future of schools and students.

1. The To-Do List Never Ends — and Teachers Can’t Switch Off

Teaching isn’t a 9-to-3 job. Most educators spend evenings, weekends, and holidays planning lessons, grading assignments, and keeping up with admin tasks.

📊 Fact: Teachers in the UK work an average of 51 hours per week, according to the National Foundation for Educational Research. In the U.S., similar findings show teachers regularly work 10+ unpaid hours a week beyond contract.

This workload means teachers are constantly “on,” leading to chronic stress, burnout, and a total lack of work-life balance.

2. Every Child Has a Label — But One Teacher Must Accommodate Them All

With rising diagnoses of ADHD, autism, trauma-related disorders, and more, classroom diversity is at an all-time high — but support is not.

📊 Fact: About 1 in 5 children in the U.S. has a mental or behavioral disorder (CDC). Many classrooms include students with multiple, complex needs — all managed by one teacher without additional staff.

The expectation to individualize for every child is often impossible, especially without aides, training, or time.

3. Teacher Shortages Make the Job Even Harder

With fewer teachers in the workforce, the ones who remain are expected to do even more.

📊 Fact: The U.S. had over 55,000 vacant teaching positions in 2023. In Australia, secondary schools are projected to be short more than 4,000 teachers by 2027.

These shortages mean teachers are covering extra classes, losing planning time, and working in high-stress environments where survival takes priority over quality education.

4. Teachers Are Being Asked to Parent, Not Just Educate

Many children come to school lacking basic emotional or social skills — and teachers are left to fill the gap.

📊 Fact: A 2022 EdWeek survey found 61% of teachers regularly take on parenting-like roles. This includes teaching manners, emotional regulation, hygiene, and behavior that would traditionally be taught at home.

Teachers are expected to act as social workers, counselors, and disciplinarians — roles far beyond their training or capacity.

5. Society Doesn’t Value Teachers — And Thinks the Job Is Easy

Despite the complexity of the role, many people still think teaching is "just babysitting" or that teachers are overpaid for short hours.

📊 Fact: In a 2021 Gallup poll, only 36% of Americans believed teachers were treated with “a great deal of respect.” In contrast, countries like Finland — where teaching is highly respected — have better retention and student outcomes.

Low societal respect impacts teacher morale and public support for reforms that could improve conditions.

6. The Pay Doesn’t Match the Work — Or Inflation

Teacher pay has fallen behind inflation in many countries, especially as living costs soar.

📊 Fact: U.S. teacher salaries dropped 6.4% from 2010 to 2021, adjusted for inflation (Economic Policy Institute). In Australia, beginning teachers often earn below the national median income, despite holding university degrees and facing rising housing costs.

Many teachers are leaving simply because they can’t afford to stay.

7. You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup — Personal Lives Are Suffering

Teachers often give so much of their emotional energy to students that there's nothing left for their own families.

📊 Fact: In a 2023 UK survey by Education Support, 78% of teachers said their job negatively affected their personal relationships.

Late nights, weekend work, and emotional fatigue take a toll — leading to guilt, broken relationships, and declining mental health.

8. The Unpaid Labour Is Exhausting

From supervising lunch breaks to organizing school events, teachers are constantly expected to go the extra mile — without extra pay.

📊 Fact: Most teachers report working 10+ hours of unpaid labor each week. This includes planning, grading, parent meetings, and extracurricular activities.

Over time, this unpaid work becomes unsustainable — especially when combined with low pay and high pressure.

What It All Means

This isn’t just about tired teachers — it’s about a system on the brink. When educators leave, students suffer: classes get larger, resources shrink, and school communities weaken.

If we want quality education for future generations, we must listen to why teachers are leaving — and act fast to change it.

Love Cass xoxo