Teachers union poll: 35 percent of North Dakota's public school educators considering career change

(Fargo, ND) -- A new poll commissioned by North Dakota's largest teachers union shows burnout and thoughts of leaving the profession are a continuing issue for educators. Poll results indicate 35 percent of public school teachers surveyed are considering calling it quits.

"We were a little disconcerted by that, you know.  We've largely gone from a pandemic to a footing if you will to endemic footing and we kind of hoped that we would see a greater improvement in how teachers are feeling about the jobs they do," said Nick Archuleta, President of North Dakota United. 

Archuleta says a growing number of teachers who are considering career change cite burnout, stress, and pay as contributing factors. A majority of those teachers also cite "political discourse" as playing a role in them wanting to leave the job. Arthuleta says better pay and higher levels of respect and support for teachers would make a positive impact on teacher satisfaction.