One foot out the door: Students remain key reason why most teachers choose to stay
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation releases latest results of Parachute, a pan-Canadian educator survey series. Second edition reveals key insights into why teachers stay—and why many are preparing to leave.
July 17, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) has released initial findings of the Spring 2025 edition of its national Parachute survey series—a 3-year scan of the teaching profession to gather vital data on the issues fueling Canada’s retention and recruitment crisis.
This second edition of Parachute focused on the urgent question of teacher and education worker attrition—examining what motivates educators to enter and stay in the profession, and what compels them to consider leaving. With over 5,000 completed responses and strong representation from across the country, the Spring 2025 survey underscores an ongoing crisis in teacher retention, while clearly reaffirming that what keeps educators committed is their students.
Key findings from the Spring 2025 edition include:
- Nearly 1 in 2 educators (45%) have considered leaving the profession in the past year;
- 39% reported having also considered taking a sick leave, and 38% a personal leave;
- Despite this, 93% say working with students remains a core reason they stay in the profession;
- Perceptions of working conditions have improved slightly since Fall 2024 – but only 50% agree they have a safe working environment. Aggression and violence in schools are an unremitting issue;
- Professional value remains a pressing concern: a majority say they feel undervalued by the public, with 1 in 10 reporting they “never” feel valued.
- When asked what change would make the biggest positive impact on their work, the overwhelming response was smaller class sizes.
“The story emerging is one of dedication – and exhaustion,” said Clint Johnston, President of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation. “Teachers remain deeply committed to their students. But if we don’t address systemic issues like class size, workload, and professional respect, attrition rates will continue to rise, and students will suffer the greatest cost of government inaction.”
The Fall 2025 survey will examine the key issue of Class Size and Classroom Complexity.
About the Parachute Educator Survey Series
The Parachute survey series is open to education professionals, including teachers, principals, education assistants, and support workers. It is an initiative of the CTF/FCE, in partnership with its 18 provincial and territorial Member and Associate Organizations. The series informs the CTF/FCE’s pan-Canadian Retention & Recruitment Strategy: a 3-year initiative aimed at addressing the systemic issues fueling the attrition crisis.
For more information, visit the CTF/FCE’s Take Action webpage.
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About the CTF/FCE
Founded in 1920, the CTF/FCE is a national alliance of provincial and territorial teachers’ organizations that represent over 370,000 teachers and education workers across Canada. The CTF/FCE is also an affiliate of Education International, which represents more than 33-million educators.
Media Contact
Nika Quintao, Director of Public Affairs
Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
[email protected]
Mobile: 613-688-4319
