New Teacher Training Series Part Six: Why New Teachers Leave the Profession (And How to Avoid Being One of Them)

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Show Notes:

As new elementary teachers just graduating from college and setting up your first classrooms, you are filled with excitement, joy, and accomplishment that what you’ve worked for is finally here. With all of these positive emotions, it’s hard to imagine that in just a few short years, you might actually be leaving the profession altogether. However, that is the reality for many new teachers, but we don’t want that to be you.

If you’ve been listening to my podcast for a while, you know I’m all about prevention. I help new teachers come up with an effective classroom management plan and have you think through in advance various classroom systems, procedures, and routines, all to ensure you’re creating the most successful and effective classroom environment possible. While all of those are elements of a good teacher, they also prevent you from feeling copious amounts of stress and overwhelm, which can eventually lead you to leave the profession.

All of the other episodes in this new teacher series share practical tips and strategies for setting up your classroom, but this episode might be the most important and informative. In today’s episode, I’m sharing why teachers are leaving the profession and how to avoid being one of them. I’m highlighting the newest research behind teacher attrition rates, which actually provides some hope and positivity towards new teachers, despite what social media is portraying.

Being a new teacher in this amazing profession, I always want to equip you with information and practical ways to succeed. Therefore, I discuss ways you can be successful starting out and what questions to ask when considering potential school districts. It’s no secret that teaching comes with its challenges and struggles, but the fulfillment and satisfaction that come with it are beyond rewarding and should be celebrated. So be sure to surround yourself with other educators who are thriving and have a passion for the teaching profession to prevent teacher burnout and leaving the profession.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• A recap of the previous five episodes in the series and what topics we discuss
• What the current research says regarding teacher attrition rates and how they differ from the perspective of social media 
• Ways you can prevent leaving the profession by asking the right questions and being aware of what situation you’re entering
• The top two reasons new teachers leave the profession, along with ways to combat those reasons and find support in your school
• A preview of next week’s episode about how to know if the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy is right for you

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary
• New Masterclass - How to Get Ready For the School Year in 5 Weeks or Less
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• NCES December 2023 Press Release
• Summary of the NCES Study
• Examining School-Level Teacher Turnover Trends from 2021 to 2023
• Why Do Teachers Leave the Profession
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here’s Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• New Teacher Training Series Part Five: 5 Keys to Making the Transition from Student to Teacher
• New Teacher Training Series Part Four: 4 Ways to Prevent Challenging Behavior in Your Elementary Classroom
• New Teacher Training Series Part Three: 6 Class Jobs Every Classroom Needs
• New Teacher Training Series Part Two: Choosing an Inclusive and Beautiful Classroom Theme
• New Teacher Training Series Part One: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself When Setting up (Or Re-Organizing) Your Classroom
• Should Teachers Use Rewards in Their Classrooms? Part One: A Second Look at Six Beliefs about Classroom Rewards

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