While there is a drop in enrollment at teacher training programs in large states, there are still teachers who stay in the classroom. Asking teachers just why they remain in their profession can provide critical insights about lagging teacher prep programs and the satisfaction of educators on the job. 

NPR asked educators why they stayed in the profession and posted their responses in an article on NPR.org.

"In 2012, The Gates Foundation [which supports NPR's coverage of education] surveyed more than 10,000 public school teachers—to find out what factors were important in retaining good teachers," the article said. "68 percent said that supportive leadership was 'absolutely essential.' Only 34 percent said the same about higher salaries."

According to the article, "Richard Ingersoll, professor of education at the University of Pennsylvania, says one big reason teachers quit is they feel they have no say in decisions that will ultimately affect their teaching. In fact, Ingersoll says, this lack of classroom autonomy is now the biggest source of frustration for math teachers nationally."

"This would not cost money to fix. This is an issue of management," Ingersoll said in the article.

Here are some of the responses from educators:

One Twitter user, Pam Rhodes, said, "There is no feeling quite as amazing as watching a kid work through a challenge, finally 'get it', and be proud of himself."

One educator on Facebook, Phil Murphy, said: "Often times, I feel compelled to stay in teaching for the same reason I'd like to leave it: because adults are failing children. Administrators, parents, and some teachers are failing children, and I'd like to be part of the solution."

Another teacher, Bradford Chase, said on Facebook: "I stay because I love the kids. When I close the classroom door, and it's just the kids and me, I see in them so much potential. They need people who believe in them, people to help them become the best person they can be."

Read the full story. Why do you stay in teaching?

Article by Kassondra Granata, Education World Contributor