A new survey of teacher sentiment highlights why educators say they have not quit despite long hours, low pay, and a more politicized environment for public education. Teachers cited student impact and a sense of efficacy—particularly in Title I settings—as core motivators for staying. Respondents also emphasized supportive school conditions, including relationships with colleagues and respect from administrators. Some teachers described practical constraints like proximity to retirement or reliance on pension benefits. For education policy and higher-ed teacher training programs, the takeaway is clear: retention strategies are likely to hinge less on generic compensation messaging and more on reducing workplace friction while strengthening school-level support structures.