Resources, Relationships, and Respect: The 2024 Texas Teacher Poll

The Charles Butt Foundation has published its annual Texas Teacher Poll, “The Value of the Texas Teaching Profession”, which emphasizes the importance of resources, relationships, and respect in the teaching field.

In the spring of 2024, the Foundation surveyed 1,104 Texas public school teachers. This year’s poll aimed to identify the areas that could most significantly impact the profession. Highlighting these areas is particularly crucial, as 78 percent of teachers reported they have seriously considered leaving their profession — a figure that has remained relatively stable since 2022.

Resources

The top three resource-related concerns identified by teachers were lack of funding, working conditions, and student well-being. Seventy-seven percent of teachers report not being paid a living wage. When adjusted for inflation, the median Texas teacher’s salary in 2023 was approximately $5,000 less than in 2020.

Classroom overcrowding is a significant issue, with 62 percent of teachers reporting that at least one of their classes has too many students to teach effectively. Additionally, taking necessary personal time off is often challenging; about seven in ten teachers indicate that their campuses lack the resources to accommodate their time off needs.

Teachers noted several challenges their students face, the most pressing being a lack of guidance for life after high school (64 percent). Other significant concerns related to student welfare include housing insecurity (56 percent), food insecurity (55 percent), and insufficient resources to participate in extracurricular activities (55 percent).

Relationships

The survey inquired about teachers’ motivations for remaining in the profession, excluding their students. Teachers highlighted workplace relationships, particularly in collaboration and encouragement, as key factors in their daily work. The importance of collaborating and encouraging other teachers is evident with 66 percent of surveyed teachers having served as mentors. These findings underscore the importance of a supportive and collaborative work environment in retaining dedicated educators.

A common theme was the importance of feeling valued, with teachers who feel appreciated by their colleagues and administrators being less likely to consider leaving the profession. Relationships with colleagues was the top reason for staying in the profession, cited by 28 percent of teachers.

Although the survey asked teachers to share reasons for staying in the profession aside from their students, 19 percent of respondents still cited their students as a reason for staying. This highlights the strong impact students have on teachers’ commitment to their profession.

Respect

Feeling appreciated and valued is crucial for many employees. Teachers were asked if they felt valued not only by their colleagues but also by the parents of their students, the community, Texans overall, and state elected officials. Since the pandemic, the number of teachers who feel valued by their communities, Texans overall, and elected officials has declined, while the sense of being valued by school administrators and parents has increased.

Feeling valued and being asked for input empowers teachers, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement in their work. Teachers who feel appreciated by their colleagues and administrators are more likely to believe they have a say in the instructional materials they use, the content they teach, and are involved in curriculum decisions. This sense of empowerment and involvement ultimately leads to a more fulfilling and effective teaching experience.

Cultivating a sense of appreciation and value among teachers is crucial for their professional satisfaction. When teachers feel more involved and respected, their engagement and commitment to their work grow. This, in turn, enhances teacher retention.

More Information

The Charles Butt Foundation’s annual poll emphasizes the vital importance of resources, relationships, and respect in the teaching profession. By focusing on these areas, we can better support teachers and enhance their job satisfaction. Ultimately, fostering a supportive and appreciative environment that provides the necessary resources for both teachers and students is crucial for retaining dedicated educators and ensuring a high-quality education for students.

Read the entire 2024 Texas Teacher Poll: The Value of the Texas Teaching Profession via the Charles Butt Foundation website.

The following HR Services Resource Library topics are available with a member login:

• Employee Engagement
• Employee Recognition