Why Teacher Retention Matters Now More Than Ever in Canadian Classrooms

In today’s rapidly evolving world, planning ahead isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. For Canadian educators navigating increasing demands, classroom disruptions, and shifting policies, the importance of long-term stability has never been clearer. Yet across the country, teachers are sounding the alarm: they’re overwhelmed, under-resourced, and—too often—leaving the profession altogether.

It’s time we talk about why teacher retention matters, and what we can do together to support the people at the heart of education.

A Crisis in the Classroom: What the Data Shows

The latest Parachute Educator Survey from the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) paints a sobering picture:

• Nearly 1 in 5 new teachers leave the profession within their first five years
• Workload, class sizes, and school violence are key contributors to burnout.
• Teachers report a growing gap between expectations and support, especially when it comes to students with complex needs.

In late May, Canada’s leading education organizations issued a joint statement urging all levels of government to invest in public education and support teacher wellness. As the new school year approaches, these concerns are more than policy—they’re personal.

What’s Causing Educators to Leave?

While every school is different, many Canadian teachers cite similar challenges:

1. Unsustainable Workloads: Planning lessons, managing behaviour, adapting to IEPs, communicating with families, supervising extracurriculars—the list is long, and growing.
2. Lack of Mental Health Support: Many educators are not only supporting students’ emotional well-being but also neglecting their own. Resources for professional counselling or stress management are scarce in most districts.
3. Increasing Violence in Schools: Incidents of aggression toward teachers—from students and sometimes parents—are rising. Without adequate policies or interventions, safety becomes a daily concern.

Supporting Teacher Wellness & Retention: What Can Be Done?

There’s no single solution—but small, meaningful changes can make a difference:

• Foster professional learning communities: Peer support reduces isolation and builds confidence.
• Invest in mental health resources: Access to counsellors, wellness programs, or even designated time for self-care can prevent burnout.
• Advocate for better policy: Union involvement and school board collaboration can help shift systemic issues.
• Start with planning: Tools like planners and wellness workbooks empower teachers to manage stress, set priorities, and stay organized.

At PiQ, we’re proudly Canadian—and we’re committed to supporting teacher well-being in tangible ways. Whether it’s through our thoughtfully designed planning tools or new resources like the Wellness Project Self-Discovery Workbook for teens, our mission is to empower schools from coast to coast.

Let’s Keep Great Teachers in Canadian Classrooms

As students head back to school, it’s not just their success that matters—it’s the sustainability of those guiding them. Teacher retention isn’t just a staffing issue. It’s a student success issue. A community issue. A national issue.

Let’s recognize it for what it is—and work together to build better support systems for the educators shaping our future.