(WWJ) -- As school districts around metro Detroit and all of Michigan prepare for the upcoming school year, many are concerned about an anticipated teacher shortage.
A survey conducted by the advocacy group Launch Michigan found more teachers want to retire. Of the 5,000 Michigan public school educators surveyed, 22% say they are contemplating retiring or leaving the profession now or in the next several years, with many citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a contributing factor.
Paula Herbart, president of the Michigan Education Association, says teachers' retirements are up 44% since last August, while enrollment in teacher preparation programs has fallen about 70% over the last eight years. In total, Herbart says there are roughly 30,000 educators across the state who are eligible for retirement or early retirement.
"Too many educators are leaving and not enough people are following in their footsteps," Herbart told WWJ.
Aside from the pandemic, other reasons for educators contemplating leaving the profession include salary, a perceived lack of support from policy makers and politicians, and a lack of resources.
"We're not only talking about compensation for educators. That's an important factor, but it's only one of the factors that are leading to this dissatisfaction in the workplace. We need to establish the sort of job satisfaction that causes aspiring educators to want to join this profession and stay there because they're happy with their work."
While the number of Michigan teachers who would recommend education as a career has risen slightly since 2019, the Launch Michigan survey found still roughly 66% would not recommend it.
The prospect of losing so many teachers has officials and advocates worried about the state's future.
"When it comes to building Michigan's workforce for the future, educators are essential. We can't afford to sit by as retirements spike and enrollment in teacher preparation programs drops precipitously," said Adam Zemke, Launch Michigan president, per a press release. "We are in the midst of a crisis that is growing with each passing year, and the impact of COVID-19 on the profession has exacerbated the trend. As we work to reverse course, it makes tremendous sense for us to begin by asking teachers and other education professionals themselves which elements can do the most to keep them satisfied in their work."
