School administrators know how challenging it is for teachers today. They work tirelessly every day to improve learning recovery, address emerging student mental health and behavioral issues, and collaborate with families in new ways to improve student outcomes. But many are also reconsidering their professions, silently approaching teacher burnout.
Schools That Lead reported earlier in 2024 that an astounding 55% of teachers said they plan to leave their current positions sooner than initially intended because of “burnout” and “lack of fulfillment” in their roles.
Tyton Partners found that one out of every five teachers will consider leaving their careers over the next four years – that’s 18%. And it’s less about the heavy workload and more about the growing challenges associated with not being able to effectively do their jobs.
Devlin Peck shared in June 2024 that 86% of public schools were struggling to hire educators and went on to say that 45 states were expecting specific teacher shortages in special education, math, and/or science.
It explains why so many districts are now making small improvements to their teacher retention to support educators in their efforts to be more effective in the classroom.
If you’re facing teacher shortages in your district, you’re not alone. There are, however, great opportunities and resources available to help you make a difference with your teaching staff. The Learning Policy Institute points out that one of the most effective job satisfaction improvements schools can make is to improve working conditions. With the right strategies, you can create a workplace environment where teachers feel supported, appreciated, and productive in meaningful ways. It starts with dedicated teacher programs, professional development, and even classroom furniture.
We’ll share how other schools are making great strides in teacher retention. And sometimes, the solutions are easy – like a brand-new teacher’s chair.
Retention strategies to keep your best educators
The best retention strategies begin with active listening. Ask your educators what they need to be more effective in the classroom, more engaging with their students, and more productive, leading families together in education. The list of requests might be long and include plenty of resources you just can’t get right now. But some of their responses might surprise you – especially when you realize how dedicated teaching professionals will be more satisfied on the job with a few extras you CAN provide.
Teachers may need a place to decompress
How comfortable is your teacher’s lounge? If the furnishings are uncomfortable and outdated, it’s not likely the oasis today’s teachers need when seeking a break. Consider a lounge makeover that includes modern, relaxing, and cozy quiet spaces.
Breakroom seating: From traditional chairs and lounge pieces to more comfortable sofas and benches, outfit your teacher’s lounge with plenty of welcoming places to sit and relax.
A place to recharge: When teachers step out of the classroom, they need a place to recharge, emotionally and with their devices. Welcome them to a teacher’s lounge where they can unplug and recharge with portable charging stations.
Organization creates calm: Furnish your teacher’s lounge with modern shelving and storage solutions to keep the space organized and clutter-free.
Breakrooms need tables for collaboration: Create gathering places with collaborative tables where fellow teachers can come together and share ideas, problem-solve, and build co-working relationships with colleagues.
Get inspired to create a lounge space that feels like a true retreat where educators can decompress between classes. Comfortable, inviting furniture paired with warm lighting creates a homier environment, helping to reduce stress and build camaraderie among staff.
Flexible seating options like cozy couches and chairs for different relaxation preferences.
Refreshment stations stocked with coffee, tea, snacks, and fresh water to keep teachers energized.
Quiet zones or nooks for reading, relaxing, or grading in peace.
They want professional development opportunities
Explore opportunities to invest in your teachers’ professional development. Encourage teachers to enroll in workshops and classes. Establish partnerships with local higher education institutions so teachers can continue their education. Schools can explore various workshops, advanced training courses, and partnerships with local universities to help their teachers expand their skills and knowledge. Additional access to resources for certifications or degrees in specialized areas can also be highly beneficial.
And, of course, create welcoming and conducive spaces at school where teachers can improve their skills and grow their knowledge.
Designated meeting areas provide a space for professional growth and brainstorming, showing teachers that their development is a priority. These spaces also enable teamwork, which can build stronger school-wide relationships and foster a shared sense of purpose.
Large tables and ample seating encourage group discussions and collaborative planning.
Storage and supplies so teachers have everything needed for training or planning sessions in one place.
Projectors to support interactive training and strategy sessions.
Enhance your school’s outdoor spaces
An inviting outdoor area can offer teachers a refreshing break from their indoor environments, where they can catch some fresh air or hold an outdoor class. Research shows that access to natural light and fresh air can drastically improve mood and reduce stress.
Outdoor seating and shaded tables for breaks and class sessions.
Small garden spaces where teachers and students can participate in planting, offering a sense of calm and community.
Covered walkways to make outdoor spaces accessible in all weather.
The student benefits of outdoor learning can also be teacher retention factors. Because unique outdoor learning spaces help to make education more impactful, teachers will feel more fulfilled in their roles. Student advantages of outdoor learning include:
Inclusion: Outdoor spaces can be adapted to cater to unique learning styles, abilities, and profiles so teachers can engage individual student needs.
Real-world context: Learning can become more meaningful in outdoor, practical, or relevant ways.
Social interactions: Outdoor activities and games can support student collaboration and teamwork.
Sensory stimulation: Outdoor learning environments provide rich experiences to engage all the senses, which can deepen memory and impact learning.
How can outdoor spaces benefit teachers?
Outdoor spaces offer teachers a chance to recharge with fresh air and natural light, which can improve mood and reduce stress. These spaces can also be used for outdoor lessons or informal meetings, adding variety to the school day.
Private workspaces for focused tasks
For tasks that require concentration, private workspaces provide an area where teachers can focus on grading or planning without interruption. These can also be spaces for quick breaks, helping reduce burnout by giving teachers some alone time.
Soundproofed cubicles or mini offices for focused work.
Comfortable office chairs and individual lighting for ergonomic support.
Resource access points for books, school supplies, and teaching materials.
Flexible learning spaces for diverse activities
A school’s approach to teacher support goes hand-in-hand with student-focused improvements. Multipurpose spaces with supportive school furniture can serve both teachers and students, providing areas for interactive learning or staff-led workshops, adding variety to the workday, and minimizing burnout from repetition.
Modular furniture to easily rearrange for workshops or learning activities.
Large screens and whiteboards for presentations and interactive learning.
Storage areas for easy access to teaching aids and educational materials.
Technology to ease task burdens
Technology can improve teacher retention in a big way, usually to alleviate common stressors, enhance instructional efficiency, and foster a more engaging classroom environment. Teachers face increasing demands, from managing large class sizes to personalizing instruction for diverse learners, which can lead to burnout quickly. But with the right technology in the classroom, teachers can streamline these sometimes-overwhelming tasks, allowing them to focus on what they love most—teaching. Tech products and systems can help to reduce administrative burdens, provide innovative tools to engage students and enable access to professional development. Technology also supports teachers in other meaningful ways. Below are a variety of examples of how schools like yours can incorporate technology to support your educators:
Learning Management Systems (LMS): Simplify lesson planning, grading, and communication.
Classroom analytics tools: Provide data to assess student progress and tailor instruction effectively.
Interactive whiteboards: Create dynamic and visually engaging lessons.
Educational apps: Introduce gamified learning to boost student participation.
Teacher collaboration platforms: Foster a sense of community and shared resources.
Virtual Reality (VR): Enable immersive learning experiences for students while making lessons more exciting for teachers to lead.
Tech in the classroom is equally beneficial for students and learning. Consider these popular learning space products to support digital learning.
Listening centers: Listening centers provide an organized way for students to engage in audio-based learning, from language development activities to listening to audiobooks or podcasts. These tools cater to auditory learners and support differentiated instruction and enable teachers to meet diverse student needs with less effort. They also help to foster independent learning. Additionally, listening centers allow educators to focus on other tasks, improving overall satisfaction.
Presentation carts: Presentation carts are versatile stations for housing and organizing technology like projectors, laptops, and document cameras. They streamline lesson delivery by keeping tech tools within reach and easy to use. With presentation carts, teachers can transition smoothly between activities, which saves time and reduces classroom stress while enhancing student engagement with multimedia lessons.
TV carts and mounts: TV carts and mounts allow educators to bring digital content into the classroom effectively. It’s how you can turn lessons into interactive, visual experiences. Whether your teachers share videos, presentations, or live streams, these tools make it easy to integrate classroom technology into daily instruction. Their mobility and adjustability also mean fewer disruptions, allowing teachers to maximize instructional time.
Media players: Media players offer reliable access to digital content, including educational videos, audio files, and multimedia presentations. With these tools, teachers can incorporate a variety of learning resources to make lessons dynamic and engaging. Media players simplify the process of integrating technology, which minimizes setup challenges, and enhances the overall teaching experience.
Interactive displays: Interactive displays encourage hands-on learning by combining touch-screen technology with advanced educational software. These tools captivate students' attention, foster collaboration, and make lessons more dynamic and personalized. Teachers benefit from increased engagement and the ability to adapt content on the fly, making instruction both effective and rewarding.
Laptop & tablet charging stations: Charging stations ensure that devices stay powered throughout the school day, removing a common technical hurdle for digital learning. These stations also keep the classroom organized by providing a designated space for device storage and charging. Teachers can focus on instruction rather than managing dead batteries, creating a smoother teaching experience.
Library headphones: Library headphones are essential for individual digital learning activities, from online assessments to multimedia projects. They minimize classroom noise while allowing students to focus on their tasks. Teachers benefit from reduced distractions and the ability to manage multiple learning activities simultaneously, leading to a more productive and less stressful environment.
FAQs about teacher retention in 2025
Why is teacher retention important for schools?
Teacher retention is crucial because it ensures continuity in the classroom, builds strong teacher-student relationships, and saves schools the costs associated with recruiting and training new teachers. High retention rates also contribute to better student outcomes and a positive school culture.
What are the primary contributors to teacher burnout?
Teacher burnout is often caused by factors such as excessive workload, lack of administrative support, inadequate resources, and the emotional toll of addressing student behavioral and mental health challenges. A lack of options for professional development opportunities and lackluster working conditions can also contribute to burnout.
How can an improvement in school facilities help with teacher retention?
Modern and comfortable facilities, such as updated classrooms, well-equipped teacher lounges, and outdoor spaces, show teachers that their well-being is a priority. These enhancements create a more enjoyable and productive work environment, which can be helpful to reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.
How can schools address teacher workload to reduce burnout?
Schools can address workload issues by hiring additional staff, using technology to streamline administrative tasks, and providing planning periods or private workspaces. Encourage collaboration and share best practices among teachers to also alleviate individual teacher burdens.
Are there affordable ways to improve teacher retention?
Yes, there are affordable ways to improve teacher retention, such as creating a welcoming teacher’s lounge, offering recognition programs, and providing free or low-cost professional development opportunities. Even small changes, like ergonomic chairs or collaborative meeting spaces, can make a big difference.
What role does school leadership play in teacher retention?
Strong leadership is critical for teacher retention. Administrators who actively listen to teachers, provide support, and advocate for resources create a positive and productive work environment. Transparent communication and recognition of teachers’ efforts also foster loyalty and satisfaction.
Support teachers through thoughtful design with School Outfitters
Outfit your teachers’ spaces with comfortable, flexible, and collaborative furniture. Be thoughtful about the furnishings and supplies you bring so you can create a positive school culture that benefits both teachers and students. Schools that prioritize these improvements show teachers that they are highly valued, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention.
Find all the best furniture with School Outfitters. Whether you’re looking for a modern, new teacher’s chair or want to reimagine your teachers’ lounge, our furniture and design experts can help. Connect with us today or get a free quote to get started.
