Teacher Appreciation, A Historical Perspective

How has the prestige of the teaching profession changed over the last 50 years?

Over the last 50 years, there have been four main shifts in the prestige of the teaching profession. In the 70s, economic and social changes created a decline in how teachers experienced their role, particularly they felt the public perceived them and their role as low status. Sociologists recognized that as career opportunities expanded for women and minorities, the perception of status in teaching also decreased. That trend reversed in the late 80s and into the 90s, as a result of the hallmark A Nation at Risk report, all the way until the 2010s. This is evidenced by the Harris Poll and the Phi Delta Kappa's nationally representative poll! 

Why is the current state of the teaching profession at its lowest level in decades?

The current state of the teaching profession is at its lowest level in decades, driven by a mix of economic, cultural, and policy factors. Teachers salaries have stagnated, while the cost of college has skyrocketed, making the return on investment in becoming a teacher less appealing. High-stakes accountability measures, starting with No Child Left Behind, increased job insecurity and decreased autonomy, causing burnout and frustration among teachers. This trend was worsened by the Great Recession, which led to mass teacher layoffs and cuts to education budgets. On top of this, growing negative public narratives and increased political restrictions on curriculum have further eroded the prestige of teaching. The COVID-19 pandemic only deepened these challenges, leading to even higher levels of stress and attrition among teachers. All of these factors combined have created a situation where fewer young people see teaching as an attractive career, and current teachers are feeling less satisfied than ever before.

What were the three largest factors for each changing the prestige, interest, preparation and satisfaction? 

Three main factors have contributed to the decline in prestige, interest, preparation, and satisfaction in the teaching profession—but they also point to clear opportunities for change. First, stagnant teacher wages have made the career less attractive. Raising teacher salaries to be competitive with other professions requiring similar education levels would go a long way to improving the prestige and interest in teaching. Second, high-stakes accountability policies have eroded teachers' sense of autonomy and job security. Shifting policies to focus on support, professional development, and collaborative growth rather than punitive measures could enhance job satisfaction and preparation quality. Lastly, negative public narratives and a lack of respect for teachers have damaged the profession's status. Promoting a positive image of teachers through public campaigns, and highlighting the value of their work, can help rebuild societal respect and attract a new generation into the field. These policy changes can collectively create a teaching environment where educators are respected, supported, and well compensated, ultimately reversing the downward trends of the last few decades.

Local Action

For over a decade, the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) has been in charge of organizing and hosting Duval County’s annual Teacher of the Year celebration, also known as the  EDDY Awards. Over 100 Duval County Educators are celebrated for their excellence as professionals and passion for educating the future generation of leaders in the County by their peers, school leaders, and the community. Additionally, in the past six years, JPEF has advocated for investment in both teacher pay and school infrastructure to support Duval County educators beyond public celebration. To learn more about how you can support Duval County teachers today, visit https://www.jaxpef.org/.

Kraft, M. A., & Lyon, M. A. (2024). The rise and fall of the teaching profession: Prestige, interest, preparation, and satisfaction over the last half century (No. w32386). National Bureau of Economic Research.