More than 470 teachers have resigned from Texas school districts in the last six months, a trend that could negatively impact students and is adding to a plummeting number of certified teachers in the state.
The Texas Tribune reports on the great defection, which teachers say is a result of low wages and new certification requirements that will dictate contract renewal eligibility for the 2022-23 school year.
Teachers abandoning contracts are up 60% from 2021. Leaving a teaching position prior to the end of a school year can result in a one-year suspension or possible revocation of certification.
“Every single one of those individuals have made a conscious decision to say they no longer give a damn about their teacher certification because conditions have gotten that bad.”
Zeph Capo — President, Texas American Federation of Teachers
