Where Have All the Teachers Gone? The Urgent Need to Rebuild the Profession
Teachers are the backbone of any society. They are responsible for shaping future generations and influencing the trajectory of a nation – all the world’s leaders start their journey in a classroom. In South Africa, the teaching profession is facing a crisis. With an ageing workforce and a shortage of recruits, schools are struggling to meet the needs of learners.
The impact of this crisis extends beyond classrooms—communities suffer, educational outcomes decline, and the country’s future is at risk. While the challenges are significant, some solutions can make teaching an attractive and sustainable career once again.
Love Trust employees, experts in education and passionate proponents for change Felicity Wyche (Contracts Administration Manager) and Michelle Peters (Head of Training and Facilitation) explore the root causes of this crisis and what can be done to change the narrative.
Understanding the teacher shortage: Why are we here?
Despite teachers’ importance, teaching is a notoriously underpaid career. A teacher’s responsibility doesn’t start and end at the chalkboard, as many are instrumental in their learners’ social-emotional development and overall emotional well-being. With responsibilities like these, remuneration should not be a secondary consideration. Teachers have their own families to consider, and the mounting cost of living weighs heavily on us all.
A recent report by Van der Berg, Gustafsson, and Burger (2022), commissioned by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), shows that South Africa will face a massive shortage of teachers in the next 10 years. The alarming data indicates that 48% of publicly paid teachers locally are over 50 and will be retiring in the next 10 years.
The daily struggles: Why teachers are leaving the profession
Many teachers enter the profession with passion and a desire to make a difference, but the reality of the job often forces them to leave. Low salaries remain one of the biggest deterrents, particularly in Early Childhood Development (ECD), where teachers work long hours—often from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM—for minimal pay. In under-resourced schools, especially in rural areas, overcrowded classrooms and a lack of basic teaching materials make it difficult to provide quality education.
A common misconception is that ECD is merely a babysitting service when, in reality, it is a critical stage of structured, foundational learning. Teachers in these settings do more than educate, often taking on multiple roles, including cooking meals and providing daycare. In rural areas, where challenges are even greater, many teachers rely on peer networks for support. Once trained, many move to urban areas where salaries are higher, leaving rural schools struggling to retain qualified educators. This cycle results in a shortage of experienced teachers in the areas that need them most.
Another significant challenge is the lack of access to professional development. Because ECD has historically been undervalued, there is a widespread belief that formal training is unnecessary, leading to a pipeline of underqualified teachers. Without opportunities for upskilling and career progression, many leave the profession in search of better-paying and more sustainable work. To break this cycle, the sector must prioritise higher wages, better resources, and accessible training to ensure that teaching remains a viable career and demands the respect it deserves.
Changing the narrative: Rebuilding the appeal to retain quality teachers
To retain strong teachers, we must change the way the profession is perceived and provide the support needed to help educators thrive. Mentorship programmes play a crucial role in this transformation. When aspiring teachers have the opportunity to visit reputable ECD centres, observe best practices, and learn from experienced mentors, they gain invaluable insight into what makes a successful learning environment. Structured workplace agreements—where students, facilitators, and centres commit to a three-way partnership—ensure that both students and mentors are invested in the teacher’s success. This type of support system not only enhances practical training but also instils confidence in young educators, increasing the likelihood that they remain in the profession.
Beyond mentorship, elevating the status of teaching as a respected and well-compensated career is essential. In countries like Australia, early childhood education is a well-paid profession, attracting a broad range of talent. While passion is a driving force for many educators, South Africa needs large numbers of students enrolling in teacher training programmes, committing to continuous upskilling, and staying in the industry long-term. A well-trained, stable workforce is critical to ensuring that children receive the quality education they deserve.
Policy changes that could transform the profession
Retaining quality teachers requires more than just financial incentives—it demands a holistic approach that prioritises their well-being and professional growth. One crucial change would be the introduction of access to counselling and structured peer support programmes. While schools often have social workers to assist learners, teachers also carry a significant emotional burden. Many educators work closely with children from challenging backgrounds, and without an outlet to process the emotional toll, burnout becomes inevitable. Providing teachers with access to mental health support would not only improve retention but also enhance the overall quality of education by ensuring that educators stay engaged and motivated.
Additionally, policies must emphasise continuous professional development, flexibility, and mentorship to create an environment where teachers feel supported and valued. At the Love Trust, we truly believe what we say—that education brings change in children, in families, and communities. That’s why our teachers got into it, and that’s why many of them still love to teach. A teacher needs to be flexible, creative, empathetic, and have a willingness to learn, adapt, and grow.
Education has the power to change lives—it’s time we ensure that those delivering it receive the respect, support, and resources they deserve.