More than half of teachers in the United States say they couldn’t take any paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Most had to rely on accrued sick days instead. Only two states currently offer 12 weeks of fully paid leave with coverage for long-term substitutes.
What happens when teachers don’t have paid parental leave? Too often, they leave the classroom—or never enter it at all. In Arkansas and Delaware, teachers receive 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, with states covering the cost of long-term substitutes. Educators and state leaders share how these policies support families, strengthen financial stability, and help schools retain great teachers.
Teachers’ job satisfaction is deeply tied to the support they receive. According to a new Gallup report, 77% of teachers who say they have the materials they need to do their jobs are satisfied with their school as a workplace.
According to a new report from the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility, a strong alignment between educators and employers can help rural communities unlock new opportunities for youth.
A new Gallup-Walton Family Foundation survey shows that teachers who regularly use AI tools save an average of 5.9 hours per week, adding up to six full weeks of reclaimed time each school year.
