20 Reasons Why Australian Teachers Are Leaving The Profession

Jan 12, 2025

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Here are 20 reasons (according to recent data) why Australian teachers leaving the profession. This information has been sourced from educational governing bodies and professional organisations who have conducted surveys and independent research providing a wider picture of the struggle’s educators are currently facing in Australia. The following research may not represent every teacher and all reasons but these summarise why a large majority of teachers are leaving and/or explaining the stress they are under whilst in the industry.

1. Heavy Workload

Teachers report long hours spent on lesson planning, grading, meetings, and administration. This overwhelming workload contributes to stress and burnout. (Source: AEU State of the Teaching Profession Report, 2021)

2. Poor Work-Life Balance

Teachers often feel that the demands of the job leave them with little time for personal life, family, or hobbies, which leads to emotional exhaustion. (Source: Grattan Institute, 2018)

3. Inadequate Pay For Work

Teachers in Australia are often frustrated by the discrepancy between their salaries and the level of responsibility, workload, and emotional labor the profession demands. (Source: AEU Survey, 2021)

4. Increased Administrative Burden

The rise in administrative tasks, including reporting, data entry, and compliance with educational policies, detracts from time spent teaching and leads to dissatisfaction. (Source: AITSL, 2019)

5. Student Behavioural Issues

Managing disruptive or violent student behavior can be draining. Teachers often report feeling unsupported in dealing with these challenges. (Source: AEU State of theTeaching Profession Report, 2021)

6. Lack of Support

Insufficient support from school leadership, colleagues, or external resources leaves teachers feeling isolated and unprepared for certain aspects of the job. (Source: DESE Teacher Workforce Report, 2021)

7. Mental Health Struggles

High levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout affect many teachers. The emotional and physical toll of the profession is a significant factor in attrition rates. (Source: Grattan Institute, 2018)

8. Lack of Career Advancement Opportunities

Many teachers feel there are limited opportunities for career progression or professional growth, leading to frustration and a desire to leave. (Source: TRBSA, 2020)

9. Parental Pressure

Unrealistic expectations from parents, combined with a lack of understanding about the challenges teachers face, can contribute to job dissatisfaction and stress. (Source: AEU Survey, 2021)

10. Increased Standardised Testing Pressure

The growing focus on standardised testing (e.g., NAPLAN) can feel restrictive to teachers, making it difficult to meet the diverse needs of their students. (Source: AITSL, 2019)

11. Lack of Autonomy

Teachers often feel constrained by strict curricula and prescriptive teaching methods that limit their ability to adapt to student needs. (Source: DESE Teacher Workforce Report, 2021)

12. Inadequate Resources

Insufficient funding for classroom resources—such as technology, textbooks, and equipment—makes teaching more difficult and less effective, leading to teacher frustration. (Source: AEU State of the Teaching Profession Report, 2021)

13. Poor School Leadership

Ineffective or unsupportive leadership can create a toxic work environment, where teachers feel undervalued and unsupported in their roles. (Source: AEU Survey, 2021)

14. Physical Exhaustion

The physical demands of managing large classes, standing for long periods, and dealing with student needs can lead to fatigue and burnout. (Source: QCT, 2020)

15. Government and Policy Changes

Frequent changes in educational policies, curricula, and funding affect teachers’ job satisfaction and contribute to a sense of instability and frustration. (Source: Grattan Institute, 2018)

16. Job Insecurity (Casual and Contract Work)

Many teachers, especially in rural or remote areas, are employed on casual or short-term contracts, which creates uncertainty and limits long-term career prospects. (Source: DESE Teacher Workforce Report, 2021)

17. Emotional Labor

The emotional demands of teaching, including the need to support students’ mental health and wellbeing, can lead to burnout. Teachers often feel they are emotionally drained by the end of each day. (Source: AEU State of the Teaching Profession Report, 2021)

18. Rural and Remote Teaching Challenges

Teachers in rural and remote areas face unique challenges, such as isolation, limited professional networks, and fewer resources, leading some to leave the profession. (Source: TRBSA, 2020)

19. Increased Class Sizes

Larger class sizes make it difficult for teachers to provide individual attention to students and manage classroom behavior effectively. (Source: AEU Survey, 2021)

20. Personal or Family Reasons

Many teachers leave the profession due to personal reasons, such as family obligations or a desire to pursue a career with a better work-life balance. (Source: AITSL, 2019)

Information On Sources Used:

  • Australian Education Union (AEU): Regular surveys and reports that focus on teacher workload, pay, and job satisfaction.
  • Grattan Institute: Reports that highlight the challenges in teacher recruitment, retention, and the effects of policy on teaching quality.
  • Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE): Government reports on teacher workforce data and trends in teacher attrition.
  • Queensland College of Teachers (QCT): Research on teacher retention and challenges faced by educators, particularly in Queensland.
  • Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL): Reports that provide insights into teaching standards, workload, and professional development.
  • Teachers’ Registration Board of South Australia (TRBSA): Data from South Australia that focuses on teacher satisfaction, attrition, and support.

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