Wichita Falls ISD educators and former teachers say low pay and classroom-management challenges are among the leading reasons teachers are leaving the profession, according to interviews aired by KFDX/KJTL on Teacher Appreciation Day.
Christy Music, a former WFISD teacher, said behavioral issues in the classroom are increasingly difficult to manage without stronger collaboration between parents and schools.
"Teachers are facing a growing challenge between student behavior and the limited tools that they have to address it," Music said. "Without the strong collaboration between parents and schools, it really becomes difficult to create that kind of structured and respectful environment that supports everyone in the school for learning."
Patrick McCauley, a former WFISD coach, cited compensation as the deciding factor in his career change.
"I've got four kids. It's difficult to raise a family on a teacher's salary," McCauley said. "I always did something on the side just to kind of supplement. It came to a point where I just had a moment of clarity."
WFISD Superintendent Dr. Lee said the district provides professional-development resources but acknowledged the demands of the job extend well beyond a typical workday.
"Teaching's a hard job," Lee said. "A lot of hours and effort goes into that, even outside your traditional 8 to 5. We try to stay ahead of professional development resources and things of that nature, but it's never enough."
Nicki Norman, named WFISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, said peer relationships are central to retention.
"It's really a lot, your peers," Norman said. "It's the people around you, in your hallways, in your building that you make connections with, that kind of tie you to your location."