Why Educators Don’t Just Quit Jobs — They Quit Toxic Environments

In early childhood education, we often talk about staff retention like it’s a numbers game. We analyze turnover rates, recruitment strategies, and onboarding processes. But the truth is: people don’t usually leave jobs because of the title, the workload, or even the salary.

They leave because of how they feel at work.

I’ve seen it. Many of us have felt it.

Educators, like anyone, don’t walk away from roles they love lightly. What drives people out is often more emotional than logistical. It’s about the environment.

Here’s what causes great educators to walk away:

    •    They feel micromanaged instead of trusted.

    •    Their efforts go unseen and unappreciated.

    •    They’re emotionally exhausted, yet no one checks in.

    •    They work in a culture where motivation is drained, not fueled.

When teachers feel:

    •    Ignored instead of heard

    •    Alone instead of supported

    •    Doubted instead of empowered

…it chips away at their morale until eventually, they feel they have no choice but to leave.

On the flip side, I’ve seen educators stay — even in challenging circumstances — because they felt:

    •    Valued

    •    Respected

    •    Seen and supported by leadership

    •    Trusted to do their work with professionalism and care

These aren’t luxuries. They’re the core of a healthy, human-centered workplace.

Recognition Over Perks

It’s easy to get distracted by surface-level “retention strategies” — like pizza Fridays or coffee vouchers. These are nice gestures, but they’re not enough to heal a toxic culture or hold together a broken team.

The most powerful retention tools aren’t found in a staff room.

They live in how we lead.

True retention is built on:

    •    Recognition that goes beyond “good job”

    •    Empathetic leadership that listens first

    •    Trust that allows teachers to grow and take initiative

    •    Respect that acknowledges both their expertise and their humanity

A Call to Leaders

If you’re a director or manager in early childhood education, know this: the way you lead sets the tone for your entire service.

People stay when they feel they matter.

They stay when their wellbeing is a priority — not an afterthought.

They stay when their leaders care enough to really see them.

Let’s stop looking for quick fixes. Let’s start cultivating cultures where educators thrive — not just survive.

Because at its heart, retention isn’t a policy. It’s a promise.