After my experience leaving - and returning to - the classroom, I’m now convinced that if more teachers had options for a sabbatical, America’s teacher retention rate would look very different.
Now, some teachers justifiably leave the classroom and don’t look back. Unsustainable pay, the toll of a teacher’s workload, finding one’s “true” calling elsewhere, or putting family first are all valid reasons why teachers quit for good.
HOWEVER, if K-12 education gave teachers more flexibility to take a short break or make small changes, instead of only letting a small percent of college professors do so, then fewer teachers might think the grass is greener outside of the classroom.
Here’s why I think so.