One in four teachers is considering leaving their job in the coming year, according to a survey
A new study reveals that only 35% of U.S. educators feel truly valued at their school, while job burnout threatens to drive thousands of professionals out of the education system.
A teacher interacts with her students in a classroom (File photo)
One in four public school educators in the United States is likely to leave their job within the next 12 months, according to a survey published this week by the Walton Family Foundation, Gallup, and The Mattering Institute.
The study, reported by the New York Post, reveals a concerning decline in job satisfaction among educators. Only 35% feel that their work is highly valued within their school, while 19% say they feel little or no recognition.
Among teachers who perceive a lack of recognition, 68% report experiencing frequent burnout, and less than half expect to remain in the education sector long-term.
The study also found differences based on age. Forty-seven percent of educators over the age of 60 reported feeling highly valued, compared to percentages ranging from 31% to 34% among younger professionals.
Furthermore, 52% of respondents said they plan to continue teaching for the rest of their careers, while 24% have not yet decided whether they will remain in the profession.
Jennifer Wallace, founder of The Mattering Institute, noted that the results highlight a significant gap in the recognition of education staff and emphasized the need for schools, families, and communities to provide greater support to teachers.
The report is based on a Gallup survey conducted between July 28 and August 14, 2026, with 1,952 elementary and secondary education professionals from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with a margin of error of 2.7 percentage points.
Teachers report higher levels of job dissatisfaction
The findings add to other signs of concern regarding working conditions in the sector. A previous report, published in June 2026, concluded that teachers experience higher levels of job dissatisfaction than workers with similar characteristics, in addition to facing significant wage disparities.
The survey thus highlights one of the main challenges facing the national education system: retaining its professionals in an environment marked by burnout, a lack of recognition, and workplace difficulties.
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