The Heart of Our Schools: The Crisis in Teacher Retention and Morale
Teachers are the backbone of our schools, the heart of our education system, and the ones who shape the future of our children. Their dedication is unmatched, often going beyond the call of duty to ensure students receive the education and support they need. But today, teacher morale and retention are at an all-time low, driven by the “command-and-control” approach of this administration, whose policies and administrative practices are making it increasingly difficult for them to do their jobs effectively.
We have heard directly from teachers about the challenges they face. They are struggling to get their work done in the classroom due to excessive administrative burdens, burnout from mandatory "optional" meetings outside of school hours, and overwhelming paperwork that takes time away from teaching. Meanwhile, they see more and more administrative positions being created at the district level, yet little of that support reaches the classroom where it is needed most. One teacher who tried to raise these concerns with a board member was simply told they were wrong — an unacceptable dismissal of the realities educators face every day.
Another teacher shared that even when they try to access the resources they are told are available, it takes months to get a response. A teacher shared their frustration when it took over six months to receive a final decision on a request. Such excessive delays are unacceptable and further erode trust in the administration.
Policies and Practices That Are Driving Teachers Away
Here are some of the most concerning policies and practices currently in place that demand immediate reform:
The 20% Rule: We have learned from reliable sources that administrators are required to place at least 20% of teachers on performance plans, regardless of actual performance. This arbitrary quota undermines trust and morale, making teachers feel like they are being set up for failure rather than supported in their growth.
Gag Orders on Teachers: Teachers are not allowed to speak to board members without reporting it to the superintendent and the board. This restriction silences educators and prevents them from voicing concerns about policies that directly impact their students and classrooms.
Fear of Reprisal: Many teachers are afraid to report issues to HR due to concerns about retaliation. A toxic work environment where teachers fear speaking up only exacerbates problems rather than solving them.
Blaming Teachers and Parents: In a recent public forum, an administrator blamed teachers and parents for declining student performance scores. Instead of supporting educators, this administration chooses to shift blame, further damaging morale and trust.
The consequences of these policies are clear: teachers are leaving. Burned out and disillusioned, experienced educators are walking away, and in their place, new and inexperienced teachers are being hired without the veteran mentors they need to succeed. This cycle is already affecting students. One concerned parent shared that their child's reading proficiency has declined in third grade due to a lack of experienced teachers in early education.
Teacher burnout is real, and the pressure they face is overwhelming. One teacher shared with me the ongoing negative feedback and pressure from her principal, combined with the extra effort she is making, has created ongoing 'emotional distress.' No one should experience that in their job!
This is why teacher retention matters. Our students deserve the best educators, and our teachers deserve the support necessary to thrive in their profession. Instead of expanding administrative staff and titles, our district must prioritize keeping great teachers in the classroom, ensuring they have the resources and respect they need to do their jobs well.
Silencing Teachers: Misrepresentation of Policy?
In addition to the policies and practices that have eroded teacher morale, is the administration misinterpreting district policy in a way that discourages teachers from participating in this election? A recent communication to staff suggests that teachers cannot endorse candidates at all — even in their personal time.
Is this what the district policy actually states?
The actual policy prohibits teachers from campaigning on school property during duty hours. That is a reasonable restriction meant to maintain professionalism in the workplace. However, there is nothing in the policy that prevents teachers from:
✔ Endorsing a candidate outside of work hours
✔ Posting personal opinions on social media
✔ Attending political events
✔ Discussing the election privately outside of work
By implying otherwise, could the administration be overstepping its authority and creating a chilling effect on teacher participation? If that is the case, then it would not be about enforcing neutrality in schools—it would be an attempt to discourage educators from exercising their rights in an election that directly impacts them.
This directive would then also fit into a broader pattern: the administration has already implemented a gag order preventing teachers from speaking with board members without disclosure, and many teachers fear retaliation if they raise concerns about policies affecting their classrooms.
Of course, it is entirely appropriate to prohibit campaigning during work hours. However, wouldn’t extending this restriction to personal time infringe on teachers' First Amendment rights? Public employees, including teachers, retain free speech rights when acting as private citizens.
We need leadership that respects teachers' voices, not silences them. A healthy school district thrives on open dialogue, honest feedback, and the active participation of those who dedicate their lives to education.
When I am elected, I will stand against any efforts to discourage teachers from exercising their rights and ensure that they are protected. Our educators should be empowered, not silenced.
A Plan for Change
When I am elected, I will take immediate action to address these concerns and put policies in place that support teachers and strengthen our schools:
End the Gag Order: Teachers are our best resource for understanding what is needed in the classroom. I will move to end the policy that prevents them from speaking freely with board members, ensuring their voices are heard without fear of retaliation.
Eliminate the 20% Rule: Performance evaluations should be fair and based on merit, not arbitrary quotas. I will push to eliminate the requirement that places teachers on performance plans simply to meet an administrative mandate.
Create a Teacher Advisory Council: I will go a step further in fostering open communication by establishing a Teacher Advisory Council. This council will serve as a direct line of communication between teachers and the board, ensuring that policy decisions reflect the realities of the classroom.
Strengthen Retention Efforts: We must retain experienced teachers by reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, ensuring competitive compensation, and creating a work environment that values and supports educators.
Ensure Access to Professional Development: Teachers deserve ongoing training and mentorship opportunities. Investing in professional development resources will empower educators to stay engaged, grow in their careers, and bring innovative teaching methods into the classroom.
Refocus Administrative Spending: Instead of adding more administrative positions and layers of bureaucracy, we need to redirect resources back into the classroom where they can make a real difference for students and teachers alike.
It's Time for Action
Early voting begins on March 18 and runs until Election Day on April 1. Your vote is your voice —let’s stand up for our teachers and students by bringing real change to our district!
Join me in demanding change. Support my campaign, spread the word, and let’s work together to build a school system that truly values and empowers its most important asset — its teachers.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
Christopher K. Merker, CFA, Ph.D.
Candidate for Wauwatosa School Board, Seat #7
