Teacher Attrition Soars in Texas School Districts

Teachers in El Paso, Texas, are leaving their jobs at record rates due to burnout and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2021-22 school year, over 900 teachers from the city's three largest school districts retired, resigned, or were terminated, resulting in a loss of one out of every 10 teachers. Factors contributing to the exodus include increased workload, standardized testing, low pay, poor treatment, and a negative workplace culture. Large class sizes and mental health issues have also played a role. While some districts have been able to retain more teachers, many are struggling to fill vacancies and have resorted to relying on substitute teachers or overcrowding classrooms.