The nature of work has changed, but the teaching profession has not changed with it.

Today’s high school and college students who are part of Gen Z are looking for careers that offer financial stability, flexibility, collaboration, and a sense of purpose. Yet, while teaching is one of the most meaningful careers, it lacks the flexibility and incentives that appeal to this generation. As a result, many young people are discouraged from entering the field, and those who do often leave because of the profession’s rigid structure and challenging conditions. 

At the same time, the demands on teachers have only intensified. Inflation-adjusted pay has decreased, while students present more complex academic and socio-emotional needs, contributing to higher stress and turnover, especially in under-resourced schools. This turnover, estimated to cost over $20,000 per departing teacher, disrupts school operations and has a profound, detrimental  impact on student learning outcomes. Additionally, despite efforts to diversify the teaching force, teachers of color are leaving at higher rates, often due to unsustainable working conditions. 

At NewSchools, we are inspired by education leaders who are committed to changing these dynamics. That’s why we are investing in innovative ideas that evolve how educators work, create new roles for caregivers and community educators in schools, and leverage generative AI to support teachers’ instructional practice. By aligning the teaching profession with Gen Z’s values of flexibility, collaboration, and purpose, we can make it a more attractive and sustainable career choice and enable teachers to create more learning environments where students thrive. Our goal is to build on existing efforts and catalyze new approaches, making teaching a more effective profession that attracts a diverse group of educators. This comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate issues but also builds the foundation for long-term improvement. We’re especially excited to support ideas from those who understand the problem best — our educators.  

We see great potential in new strategies and the efforts of a growing number of organizations focused on reimagining teaching. Here are a few reasons why.

Teachers are dedicated to the success of their students.

Surveys show that a significant proportion of teachers remain committed to their roles despite reporting high degrees of workplace stress and symptoms of burnout. In fact, 77% of all teachers and 90% of teachers of color say it’s “very or somewhat likely” they will spend their entire careers as classroom teachers. This highlights the deep sense of purpose that drives educators, particularly those from underrepresented communities. It suggests that the issue isn’t the core work of teaching itself, but the design of the role. By redesigning roles, we can improve conditions, and make the profession more sustainable. Organizations like Teach Indy and Teach Plus are bringing together teams of teachers to co-design new approaches.