COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) — Researchers at the University of South Carolina (USC) surveyed 25,000 teachers across the state to learn more about their working conditions.

The 2025 Teacher Working Conditions Survey revealed that teachers feel that resources and administrative support are crucial to keeping educators happy and in the classroom.

“With teacher working conditions, we’re able to better understand maybe some of the, working conditions that affect teachers job satisfaction and ultimately their mobility, or why they may be leaving the classroom,” said Dr. Angela Starrett with SC Teacher.

The survey, conducted by SC Teacher at USC, captured feedback from 75% of school districts in the state.

Doctor Starrett said the goal is to help school leaders understand what matters most to educators.

“Resources, at the end of the day, administrative support, parent support, coworker support, professional development support, they really have a stronger relationship to teachers, job satisfaction and their intent to stay in the classroom,” she explained.

According to the survey, 70% of teachers said they’re satisfied with their job and plan to stay in the profession.

Dean of USC’s College of Education, Tommy Hodges, said it’s important to look at the numbers because having good educators is so important.

“There’s been a 40% decline in enrollment and traditional teacher preparation. We have not seen that here. We’re expecting a record-breaking freshman class coming in this fall,” he added, “We’re the largest preparer of teachers in South Carolina, where the flagship College of Education [is]. We have a responsibility to prepare high quality and a high volume of educators here in the college. “

Starrett said the General Assembly gives her research team $2 million annually.

Hodges said he is grateful for the work SC Teacher does.

“There is no profession that has a greater impact on society than being an educator. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing that light bulb moment in children’s eyes, and to to be there and to be of service to communities,” he added.

Starrett said although the increase in teacher salary was not a big fact in the survey, she believes the increase from the General Assembly is key in teacher retention.

SC Teacher will conduct another working conditions survey in 2027.