Teacher Morale: What School Leaders Need to Know in 2025
| by Kyle Freelander
As we step into 2025, teacher morale continues to be a critical issue for school leaders across the globe. Teachers are the backbone of our education system, shaping the future through their dedication and expertise. However, recent challenges in education have created a pressing need to address teacher morale and ensure educators feel supported, valued, and motivated.
The Current State of Teacher Morale
Teacher morale can be difficult to assess, as it’s influenced by a combination of factors. Many educators remain passionate about their work — 90% of teachers say they are passionate about teaching, according to Discovery Education’s Education Insights 2024-2025. However, several issues have led to widespread burnout, job dissatisfaction, and even attrition:
- Increased workload: The demands of standardized testing, administrative tasks, and ever-changing curricula have left many teachers feeling overwhelmed.
- Lasting post-pandemic challenges: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced hybrid and remote teaching, creating a lasting ripple effect on classroom dynamics, student engagement, and teacher mental health.
- Compensation concerns: Many teachers feel underpaid relative to their qualifications and the hours they dedicate to their profession.
- Lack of recognition: Teachers often report feeling underappreciated despite their pivotal role in shaping young minds.
- Student behavior and parental involvement: Managing disruptive behavior and maintaining positive relationships with parents have become increasingly challenging.
That context might help explain why The Teacher Morale Index, part of EdWeek Research Center’s The State of Teaching 2024, puts teacher morale at a negative 13 (on a scale from negative 100 to 100) — meaning teacher morale is more negative than positive.
What Impacts Teacher Morale?
Teacher morale is shaped by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. School leaders must understand these key drivers to foster an environment where teachers thrive:
- Supportive leadership: Teachers who feel heard and supported by their administration report higher morale. Leadership that communicates transparently, seeks input, and actively addresses teacher concerns builds trust.
- Professional development opportunities: Access to meaningful and relevant professional development helps teachers feel prepared and capable in their roles. Programs like Moreland University’s M.Ed. add-on give teachers tools to grow in their careers and refine their craft.
- Work-life balance: Schools that promote work-life balance, such as offering flexible schedules or limiting after-hours responsibilities, can significantly impact teacher well-being.
- Collaboration and community: A sense of belonging within the school community fosters collaboration, peer support, and shared purpose.
The Impact of Tenure on Teacher Morale
Where teachers are in their career can also significantly impact morale. For example, the Teacher Morale Index puts morale for teachers in the classroom for less than 3 years at +4 while teachers in the classroom 3-9 years reflect the lowest morale at negative 20.
How Geographic Location Can Impact Teacher Morale
Work in an urban school district? You should pay even more attention to teacher morale than your rural school leader counterparts. That same Teacher Morale Index places teacher morale at negative 22 for urban settings, negative 16 for suburban, negative 12 for towns, and negative 2 for rural.
6 Tips to Help School Leaders Improve Morale
Improving teacher morale is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. However, school leaders can take several actionable steps to create a positive working environment for their staff:
1. Prioritize Teacher Recognition
Teachers need to know their efforts are valued. Create systems for regular recognition, such as teacher spotlights, shout-outs in staff meetings, or awards for excellence in teaching. Even small gestures like handwritten thank-you notes can go a long way.

2. Offer Professional Growth Opportunities
Invest in your teachers’ growth by supporting advanced certifications, graduate programs, or workshops. Moreland University offers flexible, online programs tailored for working educators, making it easier for them to pursue licensure or advanced degrees without sacrificing their current roles.
3. Encourage Teacher Voice
Empower teachers by involving them in decision-making processes. Whether through surveys, committees, or open forums, giving teachers a voice fosters a sense of ownership and respect.
4. Address Burnout Proactively
Take steps to prevent burnout by offering mental health resources, scheduling wellness days, and ensuring reasonable workloads. Normalize conversations around self-care and encourage teachers to set boundaries.
5. Build Strong Relationships
A positive school culture starts at the top. Be approachable, listen actively, and demonstrate empathy. Strong relationships between school leaders and teachers create a foundation of trust and respect.
6. Enhance Resources and Support
Ensure teachers have access to adequate classroom resources and technology. Used appropriately, tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and edtech can lighten teachers’ administrative burdens, allowing them to focus on teaching and connecting with students.
Moreland’s Role in Supporting Teacher Morale
At Moreland University, we recognize the importance of fostering teacher morale and professional growth. Our programs are designed to equip teachers with the skills, confidence, and credentials they need to excel in their roles. Whether it’s through our teacher preparation program or our master’s degrees, we empower educators to advance their careers while staying inspired in their work.
Additionally, Moreland’s global community of educators creates a network of support and shared experiences. When teachers know they are part of a larger movement dedicated to educational excellence, their sense of purpose and morale can improve significantly.
Partner with Moreland to Support Your Teachers and Help Boost Morale
Moreland University partners with school districts across the country to help teachers earn professional certifications and master’s degrees.
Learn more at Moreland.edu/for-districts or reach out to our team. We’re happy to chat about your district’s specific goals and needs.