Teachers across the US are entering the school year already exhausted, with new findings showing a profession struggling under mounting pressure. A recent survey conducted for St Thomas University reveals that burnout, heavy workloads and limited support are pushing many K-12 educators to consider advanced education or alternative careers.
National shortages deepen pressure
The findings arrive at a time when districts are coping with widespread staffing shortages. The Learning Policy Institute reports that about 1 in 8 teaching positions remains unfilled or covered by someone without full certification. High poverty districts face the greatest strain, with 57% reporting shortages according to USA Today data. The National Center for Education Statistics adds that 70% of teachers experienced staff gaps during the 2024 to 2025 year, which resulted in larger classes and disrupted learning.
Workload expansion and burnout
The STU findings show how shortages extend directly into everyday tasks. A total of 60% of teachers covered for absent colleagues in the past year, which matches a Devlin Peck analysis showing that 74% nationally took on extra duties because of vacancies. A further 80% said their workload exceeds what is expected for their role.
Administrative responsibilities continue to interfere with instruction. A total of 69% reported that non teaching tasks affect their ability to teach effectively. This aligns with reporting that 2 in 5 educators feel overwhelmed each day, based on 2025 findings from We Are Teachers.
Burnout remains widespread. A total of 53% said burnout is a main reason they are exploring new roles. Another 42% said pay is too low and 26% said their workload is unmanageable. National data shows similar patterns, with 44% reporting frequent burnout and female teachers experiencing even higher levels at 55%.
The pressure begins early. A total of 82% said they feel burned out within the first month of the school year. Millennial teachers represent 46% of respondents and show some of the highest strain, with 44% reporting complete burnout. EdWeek reporting indicates burnout fell slightly from 60% in 2024 to 53% in 2025, although stress and depression symptoms remain unchanged.
Personal sacrifices linked to shortages
Some teachers delay retirement because of shortages or loyalty to their schools. More than 1 in 16 said they postponed retiring. Many also reported giving up personal needs due to mounting responsibilities:
- Mental health or stress management: 67%
- Sleep or rest: 58%
- Personal hobbies or interests: 48%
- Physical health: 43%
- Household responsibilities: 42%
- Time with family: 42%
- Time with friends or social life: 41%
- Financial stability: 23%
Growing interest in career shifts and further study
Teachers are increasingly preparing for roles outside the classroom. A total of 11% are currently enrolled in further education, while 58% are planning to apply or considering it. These trends match 2025 findings from Hanover Research, which highlight professional growth as a priority during declining enrolment and expanding use of artificial intelligence in schools.
High school teachers lead the intention to leave. A total of 16% plan to exit classroom roles within a year, compared with 14% in early childhood and 13% in middle school. Other motivators include new challenges at 22%, frustration with policy or leadership at 22%, a desire for broader impact at 18% and limited advancement opportunities at 13%.
Upskilling remains a strong theme. A total of 27% seek certificates or licences and 23% seek mentorship from experienced professionals. These trends align with projections from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predict 4% growth in elementary teaching roles and 5% in high school positions.
Survey context and institutional response
The survey took place in August 2025 through Prolific and included 334 educators. The group consisted of 50% from elementary schools, 14% from middle schools and 37% from high schools. The generational breakdown was 10% Generation Z, 46% millennials, 37% Generation X and 7% baby boomers. The study is exploratory and intended to identify emerging patterns rather than represent all teachers.
St Thomas University reports that many teachers use further study to pursue leadership roles or transition to new fields. The university highlights the value of flexible online degrees, including EdD programmes in educational leadership, sports administration and digital instruction and distance learning.
Systemic issues remain unresolved
Despite individual efforts to upskill, structural problems continue. Teachers Blog data for 2025 shows more than 411,549 unfilled or underqualified positions nationwide. States continue to test pay incentives and modified certification processes, although educational researchers such as Linda Darling Hammond argue that long term retention needs evidence based policy rather than short term adjustments. Without substantial action, shortages could widen achievement gaps in underserved districts.
