Why are public school teachers in Oklahoma quitting at a growing pace?

Retirements are up by almost 40% compared to 2020. Almost 30% of public school teachers have contracted the Chinese coronavirus. (Only about 15% of all Oklahomans have been infected). Almost every teacher has had a student who was infected and most have had a fellow teacher or administrator come down with the virus.

Fewer and fewer qualified substitute teachers want to go into a classroom. That is also true with support staff. Bus drivers are in short supply, partially due to health concerns and partly because they can make more money, thanks to Joe Biden’s welfare, staying home than working. That has decreased bus service to students.

Fear of catching the coronavirus – particularly for older teachers – is a understandable concern.

So health considerations are a major factor in teachers jumping ship.

Tulsa’s liberal newspaper and TV stations, who essentially are spokesmen for the Democrat Party, would argue that the cause really is low pay. They gripe that private schools and charter schools are stealing resources and good teachers from the public schools.

The pivotal problem is the political climate in public education in Oklahoma. When the Legislature wisely banned the teaching of Critical Race Theory, teacher union members were incensed. When Oklahoma City and other school districts openly defied a state law against mandating the wearing of masks for teachers, staff and students, the media stood up and cheered even though masks on school children are more of a problem than a help.

And teachers are leaving because of State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, a dyed-in-the-wool progressive, believes liberalism trumps basic education of children.

Look for the teacher attrition to grow if things don’t change.