Tennessee Education Association talks issues affecting schools across the state

JACKSON, Tenn. — Leaders with one organization that supports educators here in Tennessee are voicing concerns for schools across the state as they start a new school year.

The Tennessee Education Association (TEA) shared the problems that some educators in the state may be facing this school year, and solutions to this problem.

“We’re asking far too much from far too few of our educators. It’s time to recognize and reinvest in people who are the true power of our public schools,” said Tanya Coats, president of TEA.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2024, schools that were understaffed rose to 50% up from 45% in 2023 in the state of Tennessee.

It was shared that changes in enrollment and budget reductions, policymakers, and practitioners were having trouble addressing staffing challenges. A problem that factored to under staffing.

Tanya Coats, with TEA shares that educators are taking on second jobs and even leaving the teaching profession all together. Another problem the education realm is facing currently is recruitment.

“Fewer college students are going into the teaching prep program and too many new teachers are leaving within the first five years due to burnout or low pay or lack of support,” said Coats.

Coats says one way to fix the recruitment problem is raising wages for teachers. Along with that, she says education is not being respected as a professional career.

Teachers are working outside of the 8 hours they spend with students in the classroom.

“When I was in the classroom, and I know all of my colleagues we planned every lesson, adapt to every students need, we communicate with parents, we coached teams, we run after school programs,” said Coats.

She says another important issue that needs to be addressed is retaining educators.

“We have got to retain good educators, keeping great educators in the classrooms requires support, mentorship, and manageable workloads,” said Coats.

Finally, members of TEA share that reinvesting in classrooms is key to keeping educators in the classroom.

“Not just in buildings but in people. When classrooms at the beginning of the year don’t even have enough desks or books. Educators buying pencil and paper out of their pockets,” said Coats.

Coats shared that when educators are hurting so are the students.

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