Show-Me State Times

As of 2025, Missouri reported 38 teacher vacancies, equating to 0 vacancies per 10,000 students, positioning it 37th among 38 U.S. states facing teacher shortages, according to the World Population Review. This shortage has led to increased workloads for existing educators and potentially compromised student outcomes. 

The Learning Policy Institute reports that the reasons behind the exodus are complex but consistent across the country: low pay, limited support, and political pressures. Research indicates that 90% of annual teacher vacancies result from teachers leaving the profession, often due to low salaries, difficult working conditions, and inadequate support. Schools are forced to combine classes, eliminate specialized programs, or rely on underqualified substitutes without enough staff, directly impacting student learning and achievement.

A 2024 brief from the Region 8 Comprehensive Center reveals that educator burnout and demoralization are reaching crisis levels, with 59% of teachers reporting frequent job-related stress, 60% experiencing burnout, and nearly one in five showing symptoms of depression. Overwhelming workloads, lack of support, and limited agency in school decision-making often drive these challenges. Wellness must go beyond one-off initiatives, and systemic, schoolwide change is essential. Effective strategies include implementing trauma-informed student support, offering mindfulness training, building strong peer relationships, protecting teachers’ time, and expanding access to mental health services. Without sustained action, teacher well-being and student success remain at risk.

The Moreland University found that effective teacher retention hinges on addressing key stressors such as burnout and lack of support. Strategies like offering competitive pay, reducing administrative overload, and fostering work-life balance through mental health resources and flexible scheduling have been shown to improve retention rates. Recognition programs and mentorship opportunities also play a critical role in boosting morale and long-term commitment. Yet, despite these initiatives, many educators feel overwhelmed, noting that support often comes after burnout has already taken its toll, making early intervention essential for keeping teachers in the classroom.

Opting out of teachers' unions can offer educators several advantages that positively influence teacher retention. By choosing not to join a union, teachers can retain the portion of their salary that would otherwise go toward union dues, which can amount to $1,000 or more in annual savings. This additional income can be allocated toward personal expenses, professional development, or retirement savings, potentially increasing job satisfaction and financial stability, as per My Pay My Say.

The World Population Review is a data-driven platform founded in 2013 to make demographic and social statistics more accessible through interactive charts, maps, and analysis. With over 100 million annual readers, the site delivers up-to-date information on population trends, economics, and geography, helping users easily understand the numbers shaping our world.