With the new school term underway, many teachers across Western Australia have returned to the classroom, but far too many are walking away for good. Why are so many teachers leaving?
Craig Hunter, Principal of Kalamunda Christian School, joined Doug on Table Talk to unpack the real challenges behind the teacher retention crisis, and why even passionate, qualified educators are finding it difficult to stay.
“80% of teachers have considered walking away in the past four years. And 50% leave within the first five. That’s not just a statistic. That’s a real issue,” says Craig.
The Weight Teachers Carry
From the outside, teaching might look like a job with great holidays and school-hour schedules. But Craig paints a far more complex picture:
- Workload Pressure: Only 14% of teachers consider their workload manageable. Marking, planning, programming, and reporting often bleed well into evenings and school holidays.
- Behaviour Management: Classroom safety and discipline are major concerns. Many new teachers find themselves overwhelmed, sometimes even threatened by students or parents.
- Neurodiversity and Mental Health: With rising diagnoses of autism and ADHD, alongside an increase in mental health issues, teachers are being called on to support students with diverse needs, often without enough training or time.
- Administrative Burden: Documenting learning outcomes, behaviour incidents, and communication with specialists has become a legal necessity. “Everything needs to be documented now,” says Craig.
Why Many Are Opting Out
Some teachers are leaving for better pay in other sectors, particularly FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) work. One local principal recently told Craig that his PE teacher quit by phone on the first day of term, choosing a FIFO job up north instead.
However, Craig is quick to point out that teaching is improving in terms of salary. From next year, WA graduate teachers will earn close to $100,000, a competitive starting point compared to other states and professions. Still, issues of support, esteem, and sustainability remain.
The Return on Investment
Despite the challenges, Craig remains hopeful. “If we love kids, we want to see them improve and grow. That’s the heart of teaching.”
He believes restoring respect for the profession and improving support systems can make a real difference. Nations like Singapore and South Korea actively recruit their brightest to become teachers and pay them accordingly, recognising the transformative role they play in society.
What Can We Do?
Craig’s biggest encouragement? Let’s partner with teachers, not pressure them. “Go to your child’s teacher and say, ‘You’re doing a great job. How can I support you?’ That simple question changes everything.”
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or community member, expressing appreciation and offering practical support, like helping with times tables or being present in the school community, can lighten the load and boost morale.
Want to hear more?
Craig’s full conversation with Doug dives even deeper into the realities of teaching today, from AI and hybrid learning models to the emotional toll of modern classrooms. Listen to it below.