11/04/2022
Most Americans agree that better pensions, healthcare benefits and pay are key tools that should be used to attract and retain public school teachers and staff, according to a new national report.
The report, by the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS), found that 83% of Americans are concerned about public school staff shortages, 81% are worried about teacher burnout, and 81% are concerned that fewer people are going into education. Those surveyed said better pay and benefits, improved pensions, and more school resources would help address these issues.
About 94% of respondents said elected officials must ensure teacher and school personnel pensions and healthcare benefits are sufficiently funded, according to the report, “Americans’ Views of Public School Teachers and Personnel in the Wake of COVID-19.” The survey found that 91% of Americans believe good pensions help attract and retain public school teachers and staff.
In addition, 95% say public school teachers and staff are important to their community, 89% say teachers deserve more respect, and 88% say teacher pay should be increased, the survey found.
NIRS Executive Director Dan Doonan said we are “facing an urgent need to retain existing staff, draw experienced teachers back to schools, and figure out how to make the profession more enticing to young people.”
Read the whole report at nirsonline.org.