Nationwide, and throughout Michigan, teachers say they still love teaching — but they are tired of everything else.
They feel burdened by a constantly growing workload, especially with more students having greater academic and social-emotional needs than ever before. They don't feel like they're paid appropriately for all the work they do.
Teaching has always been a highly demanding profession that is underfunded and underpaid. However, teachers' stress levels have skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic.
Staff shortages have added to teachers' workloads this year and decreased the support they receive. The social-emotional needs of students and parents continue to grow, resulting in a greater number of disengaged students and parents who are struggling with getting their children to attend school regularly.
Additionally, the public rhetoric that is often fueled by partisan politics has become increasingly negative toward teachers. They are falsely accused of "indoctrinating" students and are targets of myriad criticisms based on inaccurate fear-mongering tactics.
To make matters worse, some rapidly assume ill intent based on false claims instead of seeking to understand and partnering with educators. All of these attacks are wrongly aimed at teachers who have chosen a life dedicated to serving the future of society.
Fortunately, the majority of parents collaboratively embrace teachers and support their efforts in the classroom. However, the small percentage of...
Welcome to Reality Check, NewsGuard’s nonpartisan newsletter that tracks the false claims and conspiracy theories that shape our world — and who’s behind them. Please support us by becoming a premi...