More Than 60% of Nation’s Educators Considering Leaving the Profession Due in Part to New Challenges Related to Staffing Shortages, Says Horace Mann Study

Rhea-AI Summary

According to a February 2023 report by Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE: HMN), over 60% of public K-12 educators are contemplating leaving their positions. Factors driving this trend include staff shortages, stress, and financial concerns. The research indicates that 30% of educators plan to exit the profession within three years, with an additional 33% considering it. Furthermore, 80% of educators believe understaffing significantly impacts both students and teachers. While educators seek improved salaries and support, chronic understaffing is pushing many towards leaving, raising concerns about the educational workforce's future.

Positive

• The report highlights educator dedication to the profession despite challenges.
• Educators indicated specific changes that might increase retention, such as better salaries and support.

Negative

• Over 60% of educators are considering leaving teaching due to staffing shortages and financial stress.
• 30% of educators plan to leave within three years, indicating a potential crisis in the education sector.
• 80% report that understaffing adversely affects student and teacher outcomes.

Impact on student learning and work environment compounding long-standing educator frustrations with compensation and respect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- More than 60% of public K-12 educators say they are considering leaving teaching, according to a February 2023 Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE: HMN) report. Their decisions are being driven by a combination of staffing shortages, stress and financial worry.

Infographic: More than 60% of public K-12 educators say they are considering leaving teaching, according to a February 2023 Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE:HMN) report. Their decisions are being driven by a combination of staffing shortages, stress and financial worry. The report, Checks and Balance: How financial stress and heavier workloads are accelerating the teacher shortage, shares insights from more than 500 K-12 educators surveyed about the current educational climate and what challenges educators are facing. www.horacemann.com/balance

The report, Checks and Balance: How financial stress and heavier workloads are accelerating the teacher shortage, shares insights from more than 500 K-12 educators surveyed about the current educational climate and what challenges educators are facing. Among the findings:

• 30% of educators noted significant teacher shortages in their districts, while 47% noted significant staff shortages
• Roughly 80% of educators surveyed said the impact of understaffing on both students and teachers is either moderate or severe
• 30% of educators said they plan to leave the profession within the next three years, while another 33% are considering it

“For many teachers, the profession is a calling. They love making an impact on students and seeing them succeed, but their capacity to take on more work is at a breaking point,” said Horace Mann National Business Solutions Executive Kelly Ruwe. “The pandemic exacerbated the teacher shortage, and remaining staff are taking on extra responsibilities without additional compensation. Often this means elimination of their planning time, other students parsed out to their classrooms when another teacher calls in sick, or even vacuuming their own rooms due to a lack of custodial staff. This negatively impacts both teacher morale and student learning.”

The challenges of chronic school understaffing may be the tipping point for many educators who have for years felt overworked and underappreciated. In addition, 77% of public school educators are women, who have historically faced more challenges to financial security. Many private sector job opportunities offer higher pay, fewer hours and less stress. But educators did identify a few changes that would make them more likely to stay:

• 57% - a better salary
• 42% - better parent and community support
• 41% - more supportive school or district leadership
• 36% - smaller class sizes
• 35% - safer work environment
• 29% - better retirement benefits
• 27% - feeling more financially secure
• 25% - better healthcare and protection benefits

“We know many educators still have a passion for teaching but are questioning whether it is worth it in the current climate. Administrators are facing numerous challenges and pressures as well; while a higher salary can be a difficult item to provide, there are other solutions administrators can offer,” added Ruwe. “School districts can do more to provide financial wellness resources and support. They can enhance benefit packages to provide more protection coverage to all school employees. And they can use mentoring and recognition programs to help retain teachers and strengthen a school’s culture.”

About Horace Mann

Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest financial services company focused on helping America’s educators and others who serve the community achieve lifelong financial success. The company offers individual and group insurance and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the educator community. Founded by Educators for Educators^® in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. For more information, visit horacemann.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230201005437/en/

Media contact:

Michelle Eccles

Public Relations Manager

217.788.5394

michelle.eccles@horacemann.com

Investor contact:

Heather J. Wietzel

Vice President, Investor Relations and Enterprise Communications

217.788.5144

investorrelations@horacemann.com

Source: Horace Mann Educators Corporation

FAQ

What percentage of educators are considering leaving teaching according to the Horace Mann report?

More than 60% of public K-12 educators are considering leaving teaching.

What are the main factors causing educators to leave as per the February 2023 Horace Mann report?

The main factors include staffing shortages, stress, and financial concerns.

How many educators plan to leave the profession within the next three years according to the report?

30% of educators plan to leave the profession within the next three years.

What impact does understaffing have on public school educators according to the report?

80% of educators believe that understaffing has a moderate to severe impact on both students and teachers.

What company produced the report on educator challenges and staffing issues?

The report was produced by Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE: HMN).