A recent survey reveals that many teachers in Georgia are dealing with high levels of burnout, low pay, and exposure to student violence. The Professional Association of Georgia Educators released findings showing these issues are driving a teacher shortage across the state.
Survey Highlights Key Struggles
Educators from nearly all school districts in Georgia shared their experiences in an online survey conducted in May. About 3,400 school employees, mostly teachers, reported feeling overwhelmed by their workloads.
Two thirds said they feel burned out, while one quarter pointed to major teacher shortages at their schools. These problems have persisted in recent years, with similar concerns raised in past reports from the group.
The survey covers responses from 177 out of 180 districts, painting a broad picture of the challenges in public education. Teachers often work extra hours without pay, adding to their stress.
Rising Concerns Over Student Behavior
One alarming finding is the rate of violence against teachers. Eight percent of respondents reported deliberate assaults by students, with some needing medical care.
Special education teachers and support staff faced even higher rates, at double the average. This marks the first time the survey asked about injuries, due to growing reports from educators.
Disruptive behavior tops the list of worries, with more than half calling it a major issue. Other problems include chronic absenteeism and distractions from cellphones.
Teachers also noted a lack of support from parents and school leaders when dealing with these behaviors. This frustration contributes to many considering leaving the field.
Here are some key student-related challenges mentioned:
- Disruptive actions in class
- Frequent absences
- Overuse of social media and phones
Financial Pressures and Work Demands
Low pay remains a big factor in teacher dissatisfaction. Many educators work second jobs to make ends meet, with 29 percent reporting this need.
The survey found that two thirds carry student loan debt, averaging $34,000. This financial burden makes it harder to attract new teachers to the profession.
Workloads add to the strain, as teachers often cover for absent colleagues without enough substitutes. More than two thirds work at least six extra hours each week, including evenings and weekends.
Only one in four teachers would recommend the job to others, though this is a small improvement from last year. Salary boosts, especially for veteran teachers, could help retain staff.
| Issue | Percentage Affected |
|---|---|
| Burnout | 66% |
| Major teacher shortage at school | 25% |
| Deliberate assaults by students | 8% |
| Working second job | 29% |
| Disruptive behavior as major problem | 53% |
Calls for More Support and Funding
The association is pushing for targeted state funding to address these issues. Ideas include more money for substitutes, student mental health programs, and loan forgiveness for teachers.
Governor Brian Kemp has increased teacher pay in recent years and banned cellphones in elementary and middle schools starting next fall. These steps aim to ease some classroom pressures.
However, advocates argue that broader investments are needed to prevent turnover. Training new teachers costs thousands per person, so keeping experienced ones saves money in the long run.
Recent events, like similar teacher surveys in other states showing national burnout trends, underline the urgency. For example, a national report from July found fewer teachers planning to quit but pay and workload still major hurdles.
Potential Solutions and Outlook
Experts suggest improving mental health resources for students could reduce violence and disruptions. Better parent involvement and administrative support might also help.
With the school year underway, these survey results come at a critical time. Lawmakers will likely discuss education funding in upcoming sessions, influenced by these findings.
The association stresses that listening to teachers’ voices is key to real change. Small improvements, like the slight rise in those recommending teaching, show that progress is possible with the right actions.
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