Survey: Pandemic proved too much for some Missouri teachers

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A recent survey has found that one in 10 Missouri teachers are thinking about calling it quits after a challenging year of pandemic education.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that researchers with Missouri State University’s College of Education sent out the survey to each of the 67,000 public school educators with an email on file with the state and 8,040 responded in mid-February.

Of those planning to retire or resign, 62% cited the pandemic as their reason.

Paul Katnik, assistant commissioner of education in Missouri, said any uptick in exits will cause ripples in the state.