Pursuing a career in teaching comes with significant challenges that can impact educators’ motivation and retention. One of the many concerns is the lack of compensation, where teachers often find themselves underpaid and overworked. Public school teachers earn 23.5% less than comparable college graduates, according to an analysis published by the Economic Policy Institute in 2022. This discouraging disparity in wages can lead many talented individuals to reconsider whether they should enter or stay in the profession instead of pursuing other, more lucrative opportunities.

Teacher shortages represent another critical challenge, with many regions facing a scarcity of qualified educators. These shortages not only strain existing teachers, who may find themselves overburdened with large class sizes and additional responsibilities, but also impact the quality of education students receive. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering a thriving educational environment that recognizes the contributions of educators and encourages the next generation to embrace teaching as a fulfilling and viable career path.

Educators Rising is committed to changing the current narrative surrounding the teaching profession and building the country’s next generation of educators. Our student leaders are at the forefront of the Educators Rising mission, advocating for education and passionately pursuing the teaching profession. Given all the challenges future educators face, we asked our student leaders what makes them want to continue in the field. Here is what they had to say.

“I personally am still motivated to become a teacher because I want to make an impact on the world and community around me. Throughout my educational career so far, I have changed in numerous ways, and I hope that I will be able to have the same positive effect on the students in my classroom that my teachers have had on me. As an example, one of my chapter advisers in high school once pulled me aside and told me that he understood the stress he could see I was under because he saw a lot of himself in me. He provided me with ways to help myself, and I hope that one day I can help a student of mine in the way he helped me. Teachers are some of the main reasons I aspire to be a change-maker and an educator — so I can help to create an environment where students feel safe and comfortable, while also actively learning and pursuing the future careers that interest them.”
Calvin Plante, National Ambassador
Pinkerton Academy, New Hampshire

“The pay and shortages never bothered me. I’ve never been in it for the money. I feel teaching is a calling. I love being able to help children grow and become successful. I truly love teaching!”
Kali Sieger, National Ambassador
Lafayette County High School, Arkansas

“I am looking past all these challenges (in the profession) because teaching is my passion, which I know is a generic response, but it is true. I have always wanted to be a teacher. All the negative things do not affect me because I know the impact I can make. I know that what I will accomplish as an educator will make everything worth it.”
Milan Aranda, National President
Northwest Missouri State University, Missouri

“I think the biggest thing for me is my passion. I hope to be an advocate for students. I want all students to have the same resources and opportunities regardless of their background, and I think that drives me into the profession. Regardless of the lack of pay and the negative stigma around the education profession, I find that teachers are so incredibly important right now. Without students like me (who are committed to pursuing an education degree), the future of the teaching profession is threatened. I’m striving to change that and make things better for the future of our students.”
Brooke Hess, Vice President of Communication
Sheboygan North High School, Wisconsin