Teaching Profession Remains Challenging, STF Members Survey Reveals

March 17, 2026

By: Sarah MacDonald, STF Communications

This past fall, STF members took part in the sixth bi-annual survey on professional experiences. This in-depth, longitudinal survey gathers essential data through more than 200 questions, offering a comprehensive look at teachers’ professional realities over time.

More than 3,500 members, an increase of about 500 from 2023, each dedicated approximately 30 minutes to complete the 2025 survey. Their thoughtful participation is a powerful sign of member engagement and commitment. The insights gathered help guide Federation decision making, strengthen advocacy efforts and shape supports for members. They also highlight trends and patterns that inform broader educational policy.

The STF is grateful to every member who took the time to contribute to this important work.

General Satisfaction Waning

The number of teachers reporting general satisfaction with teaching as a career continues to slide. In 10 years, it has dropped by just under 20 percent. It is worth noting, the decline in 2017 coincided with significant provincial budget cuts to education funding.

General satisfaction levels from survey respondents: 2025 - 50.3% 2023 - 53.8% 2017 - 67.0% 2015 - 70.0%

Lowest Rating for Teaching and Learning Environment Since Survey Began in 2017

Rating for Teaching and Learning Environment 3.71 out of 5 - 2017, 3.49 out of 5 - 2023, and 3.19 out of 5 - 2025

87% of teachers believe it is important or very important to have speech language pathologists, educational psychologists and other specialized professionals readily accessible when needed. Only 16% of teachers agree or strongly agree that these specialists are readily available when needed.

73% report not having enough time to complete necessary activities, including lesson planning, assessments and contacting parents. (graphic)

Class Size and Complexity Remain Issues Provincewide

Overall, just over half of teachers reported their average class size had increased.
The data also shows this is a concern in all areas of the province, regardless of community size.

Percent That Agree Class Size Has Increased by Community Size

45% - Towns or villages 57% - Cities with a population of 5,000-25,000 54% - Cities with a population of more than 25,000

96% of respondents agree or strongly agree that class complexity has increased demands and expectations to attend to student needs and contributed to their emotional, physical or mental fatigue.

84.2% report that class complexity has increased over the past two years.
44.3% teach a multi-grade classroom.

Increasing Violence and Harassment

For the first time, more than half of respondents reported having experienced incidents of violence in the classroom during the last five years.

2025 – 20.8% chose to file formal complaints, while 81.6% reported the incident to their principal.
2023 – 13.2% chose to file formal complaints, while 77.6% reported the incident to their principal.

Harassment

Harassment has also increased, with emotional and verbal harassment being the most prevalent forms.

76.3% reported experiencing Emotional Harassment (e.g., bullying, manipulation or intimidation)
66.7% reported experiencing Verbal Harassment (e.g., threats, blaming or name-calling)

85.3% of Teachers Establish Meaningful Relationships with Students

Despite the challenges, teachers identified bright spots such as teacher-student relationships, a feeling of autonomy in their classrooms, and a belief that students feel welcome and respected in schools. A whopping 85.3 percent reported that teachers and students establish meaningful relationships that strengthen the teaching and learning environment.

What Did We Learn?

Teachers still value their time with students and want them to have the supports they need to succeed in the classroom. Students are made to feel welcome and respected in Saskatchewan’s classrooms – but the teaching profession across the province is challenging due to large and complex classrooms, increasing incidents of violence and harassment and limited supports for students, such as learning and behavioural supports or speech language pathologists, psychologists and other professionals.

From Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Bulletin – Spring 2026