Teachers Have Reported High Levels of Workplace Stress

A new union survey reveals that financial strain and professional burnout are driving many educators to consider leaving.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Employment

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a wooden school desk, spectacles, and pencils in an empty classroom, illustrating teacher burnout. — A new survey from the American Federation of Teachers reveals that nearly one-third of educators are considering leaving the profession due to burnout and financial strain. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you encourage a young person in your life to pursue a career in teaching?

The American Federation of Teachers released a survey of over 2,000 members indicating that teachers are struggling with low pay and significant workplace stress. Nearly one-third of the respondents are now considering leaving the profession within the next year.

Why it matters

Low pay and insufficient support are forcing educators to take on second jobs, highlighting a deepening crisis in staff retention. This trend threatens the stability of the classroom as many veteran educators struggle to recommend their career path to the next generation.

A survey of 2,000 union members found that 40% of educators work a second job to cope with rising costs. Additionally, two-thirds of respondents reported a weekly stress level of at least seven out of 10.

The players

American Federation of Teachers

This labor union represents over 1.7 million members, including teachers, paraprofessionals, and school-related personnel across the country.

Donald Trump

As the current President of the United States, his administration's policies are viewed by over 60% of survey respondents as having a negative impact on their classrooms.

The details

Educators report that they are frequently using their own funds to purchase necessary classroom supplies while navigating complex policies regarding book bans, funding, and artificial intelligence. These administrative and financial pressures have led to a situation where only 36% of teachers would recommend their profession to their own children.

Survey results were released in September 2026.
Teacher departures are projected to occur over the next year.

Macro View

This data mirrors historical shifts in labor markets where wage stagnation and professional burnout lead to high turnover rates. It parallels findings from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Teacher Employment Retention Report, which tracks the long-term viability of the education workforce.

The potential exodus of teachers may lead to increased classroom sizes and a shortage of qualified instructors for students in the coming year. Families may experience higher turnover in school staff, affecting the consistency of their children's education.

The takeaway

Educators are increasingly facing systemic financial strain that undermines the long-term sustainability of the school system. Families should engage with local school boards to understand how these trends might impact curriculum stability and teacher recruitment in their districts.