Austin’s Education Crisis: Teachers Fear Leaving Amid Safety and Support Concerns

Austin, Texas: A Crisis in Education

In recent times, the education system in Austin, Texas, has been facing some uphill battles as it navigates through a series of challenges. With growing safety threats, discussions surrounding school vouchers, and an alarming teacher shortage, the environment in local schools is anything but stable. In response to these urgent issues, a series of in-depth reports titled “Our Schools in Crisis” is shining a spotlight on what’s going on in classrooms across the state.

The Teacher Shortage: A Close-Up Look

Teachers, the backbone of any educational institution, are now leaving their classrooms in record numbers. Many are feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated. One such teacher is Carla Perez, who has dedicated nearly 25 years to educating students in Hays County. Initially inspired by her mother’s belief in her teaching abilities, Carla describes her journey as a fulfilling experience. “I always wanted to teach someone something,” she recalls with a laugh. She started as a Pre-K bilingual teacher and cherished every moment she spent with her students.

However, like many teachers, Carla’s enthusiasm for her job has been dampened over the years. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, she has noticed a marked decline in both academic performance and social skills among her students. “Kids’ anxiety levels are soaring,” she shares, highlighting the toll that the global crisis has taken on them. Long hours—often reaching 11 to 12 a day—leave her feeling exhausted as she tries to juggle the growing demands placed on her.

A Growing Sense of Overwhelm

She describes the current state of the classroom as a mix of chaos and concern. “There’s so much on your plate. It’s super hard to get things done,” she laments, reflecting on the more playful environment she once experienced. The classroom now feels increasingly burdensome compared to her early days. While Carla is committed to sticking it out, many of her colleagues are opting to leave the profession altogether.

The State of Education: A Survey’s Findings

A recent survey conducted among experienced Texas teachers revealed a staggering 65% are seriously considering leaving education. Ovidia Molina, president of the Texas State Teachers Association, points out that the growing discontent isn’t directed at the students; rather, it stems from how teachers are treated. “They are not being made to feel like professionals,” she explains. The autonomy that educators once enjoyed in shaping their lessons has been stripped away, creating an atmosphere where teachers feel constantly scrutinized.

Compounding these issues is the matter of low pay. On average, teachers in Texas earn around $62,500 a year—approximately $9,000 less than the national average. This disparity presents a tough situation where many educators find themselves juggling multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Ovidia expresses frustration, stating, “In a state where we love to be No. 1 for everything … we are nowhere near No. 1 when it comes to teacher pay. It’s a slap in the face.”

Finding Purpose Amid Challenges

Despite the challenges, Carla still finds meaning in her work. She emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact in students’ lives and considers it crucial to mentor new teachers entering the field. “It’s really a tough job … and I commend so many veteran teachers for staying in it as long as they have,” she notes. Carla reminisces about the high energy and passion she once had for teaching and is determined to pass that fire onto the new generation of educators.

As an uphill battle continues for education in Texas, there is hope in the form of dedicated teachers willing to stick it out for the sake of their students. The quest for solutions—whether through improved compensation, better support, or changes in policy—remains ongoing. This is just the beginning of the “Our Schools in Crisis” series, and next up, we’ll dive deeper into the strategies that could help attract and retain teachers in schools across Texas.