Bargaining and advocacy tactics to support educators' mental health
The NEA article highlights a growing crisis in education, with 55% of educators considering leaving their jobs earlier than planned, a sharp rise from 37% just months prior. The survey reveals that this trend spans all roles and demographics, with Black and Hispanic/Latino educators disproportionately affected. The pandemic has intensified long-standing staffing shortages, leaving teachers overwhelmed, covering for absent colleagues, and unable to provide adequate support to students. NEA President Becky Pringle calls it a “five-alarm crisis”, urging elected officials to take immediate action to prevent a mass exodus and ensure students receive the attention and mental health support they need.