Survey: Leadership, safety top reasons Arizona teachers stay

(The Center Square)- School leadership support and safe campuses are among the top reasons people remain teachers in Arizona, according to a new survey.

The Arizona Department of Education released a survey showing almost 77% of teachers who responded said support from school leadership and school safety are key factors in why they stay in the profession.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said the survey “confirms” what he has said about teachers needing school leadership support and a “safe workplace environment.”

If a student needs to be disciplined, Horne told The Center Square this week that schools need to support teachers when they hand out punishments.

“Actions have to have consequences and a strong leader imposes consequences,” he said.

Regarding school safety, the state Department of Education announced earlier this month that it will use $53 million in carryover funds to fill school resource officer and mental health professional positions for Fiscal Year 2027. The fun...