Memphis Teachers Are Here to Stay And That Changes Everything
Most of us would agree that we want Memphis to be a thriving city to live in. And one of the best ways to get there is by showing up for the people who are already showing up for our kids every single day: our teachers.
Here at Give901, we're all about supporting excellent teachers, innovative schools, and empowering mentors. Because when educators win, students win. And when students win, Memphis wins. Simple as that.
For over a decade, we've been doing something pretty straightforward. We've been asking teachers what they actually need. Through the Teach901 Educator Survey, we go straight to the source to better understand what it really takes to recruit and keep great educators in our city.
This year, 1,137 educators across 47 Memphis schools weighed in. And what they shared had us feeling pretty good about the future of Memphis.
The Big Finding: Memphis Teachers Are Planting Roots
When we asked educators how long they plan to remain at their current school, the average answer was 11.6 more years.
Eleven and a half years. Let that sink in.
At a time when the teaching profession is facing crisis-level turnover across the country, this is a massive win not just for schools but also for students and Memphis as a whole.
A majority of teachers in our city aren't just getting through the year. They're building something here. They're choosing Memphis.
Why Does Retention Matter So Much?
Teacher retention isn't just a staffing metric. It's a student experience metric. When teachers stay:
Students benefit from stronger relationships and consistency
Schools build deep instructional teams and shared culture
Leaders can invest in growth rather than starting from scratch every year
Neighborhoods gain trusted adults who know and love the community
The ripple effect of a stable teaching force is felt in classrooms, in families, and in the fabric of our city.
How Memphis Compares to the Nation
This good news hits even harder when you look at the national picture:
A 2022 Gallup poll found that 44% of K–12 teachers report feeling burned out "always" or "very often"
NCES data shows that 16% of public school teachers either switch schools or leave the profession entirely each year
During the "Great Resignation," quit rates across all sectors hit record highs nationwide
So when Memphis teachers say, "I plan to stay," that's not small. It reflects a level of commitment and connection to our community that bucks national trends. And it deserves to be celebrated.
Staying Isn't Enough — Growth Matters Too
Here's what else the survey revealed: Memphis teachers aren't just staying, they're looking ahead. Educators expressed strong interest in growing within the profession:
28% are interested in specialized roles
23.6% are eyeing leadership positions
14.9% want to move into coaching and mentoring
This tells us something important: strong retention means creating real pathways where great teachers can evolve, lead, and stay deeply engaged. It's not just about keeping teachers in the building. It's about giving them a future worth staying for.
What You Can Do Right Now
A stable, committed teaching force builds more than strong schools. It builds strong communities, stronger outcomes, and a better future for every kid in Memphis.
That's exactly what your support makes possible.
When you become a monthly donor to Give901, you're directly fueling the work of Teach901 and Choose901 Alumni, programs that champion excellent educators and the mentors who walk alongside Memphis youth every step of the way.
You're not just making a donation. You're investing in the teachers who are choosing to stay. You're shaping the future of Memphis, one month at a time.
👉 Become a Monthly Donor Today because Memphis wins when we all show up.
If you know a teacher, say thanks. If you're leading a school, keep showing up. And if you want to be part of this work, we'd love to have you.
We're building something meaningful here. Together.
