The sharp increase in teacher attrition in 2024 has exposed a critical fault line in our education system. With 1,193 teachers leaving the profession in a single year—a threefold jump from 2023—the situation demands immediate and decisive action.
Among the departed, 648 were contract teachers and 545 were regular staff, leaving public schools grappling with an unprecedented average attrition rate of 6.90 percent. At its peak, nearly 99 teachers left the system every month. This marks the highest rate of teacher resignation in the last five years.
The numbers paint a grim picture: 163 teachers resigned in 2020, 353 in 2021, 478 in 2022, and 371 in 2023. These trends, culminating in 2024’s mass exodus, reveal a profession in crisis. But statistics only tell part of the story. Behind every resignation is a teacher disillusioned with a system that no longer supports their aspirations or meets their needs.
Why are so many of our teachers leaving?
The reasons are multifaceted but glaringly clear. Overwhelming workloads, stagnant career progression, lack of recognition, and social isolation in rural postings have created an untenable environment. Teachers often juggle multiple roles as educators, counsellors, and administrators, leaving them overworked and undervalued. In rural areas, inadequate infrastructure and isolation from families exacerbate the challenges. Adding to this is the lure of better-paying opportunities in other sectors or abroad, making teaching a less attractive career choice.
The impact of this attrition is devastating. Schools are left understaffed, leading to larger class sizes and diminished quality of education. Students, particularly in rural areas, bear the brunt of teacher shortages, widening educational disparities. Remaining teachers, burdened with increased workloads, risk burnout, perpetuating the cycle of attrition. Over time, this weakens the very foundation of our education system, threatening the country’s socioeconomic progress.
Reversing this trend requires bold, systemic changes. First, teacher remuneration must be competitive. Salaries should reflect the critical role teachers play in shaping the nation’s future. Rural postings should come with attractive incentives, such as housing allowances, reduced tenures, and better infrastructure. Second, career pathways must be redefined to offer opportunities for growth and specialisation. Recognition and reward systems, both financial and symbolic, can go a long way in boosting morale.
And, professional development must be prioritised. Regular training, workshops, and access to modern teaching tools can empower teachers and enhance job satisfaction.
Reducing administrative burdens by hiring support staff can help teachers focus on their primary role: educating. Finally, fostering a culture of respect and value for the teaching profession is essential. National campaigns and community engagement initiatives can help restore the dignity and prestige of teaching.
The stakes are high. Without immediate intervention, we risk losing not just its teachers but also its ability to provide quality education for future generations. Addressing teacher attrition is not merely an educational priority; it is a national imperative.
If our teachers cannot see a future in their classrooms, what future can we expect for the nation?