The 2025 Texas Teacher Poll

The Charles Butt Foundation has published findings from its annual Texas Teacher Poll, “Craft, Care, and A Call to Action.”

In the spring of 2025, the foundation surveyed 1,183 Texas public school teachers. This year’s poll sought perspectives on certification pathways, growing student needs, and persistent retention challenges.

Craft

When first entering the profession, fewer than half of the surveyed teachers felt they were adequately prepared, which may be linked to certification pathways. The survey found the number of teachers who obtained their certification via an alternative certification program has increased over the previous six years and is now nearly equal to those who obtained their certification through a traditional certification program. Additionally, 6 percent of respondents reported never completing a certification program at all.

When asked what would have helped them be more prepared as a first-year teacher, participants cited:

• More classroom management training
• Training that reflects the realities of teaching
• Stronger mentorship

Care

Teachers continue to face challenges in supporting students both academically and behaviorally. The greatest interest for professional development was learning strategies, with three-quarters of teachers surveyed reporting that most students began the 2024-2025 school year below grade level.

While academic challenges are substantial, behavioral challenges are also pressing. Of the teachers surveyed, 70 percent reported that they do not have adequate support to manage student behavior. Discipline support from campus administrators topped the list when teachers were asked what could improve their work environment. 

A Call to Action

While 66 percent of teachers surveyed seriously considered leaving the profession, an improvement from 78 percent in 2024, it still shows a concerning level of possible turnover. At the time of the survey — which was conducted prior to the implementation of the Teacher Retention Allotment — nearly all teachers (94 percent) indicated a significant salary increase would be essential to staying in the profession.

Additional factors contributing to those considering leaving the profession include work-related stress, workload, administrative burdens, and student discipline issues.

Closing

This year’s poll shows that many teachers feel unprepared and unsupported. While there are areas of improvement from previous years, the state still faces significant challenges with teacher retention.

Visit the Charles Butt Foundation website to access the full report and resources for the 2025 Texas Teacher Poll: Craft, Care, and A Call to Action.