Teacher Exodus Part 1: Why Are So Many Leaving the Classroom?

Resigning, or retiring, it's a common theme for teachers this school year, and it's no secret it's happening in droves from Lafayette Parish. But the problem is widespread.

Looking at resignations and retirements across Acadiana, 697 teachers have left the classroom this past year, and that's not including St. Mary and Evangeline parishes, who don't track their numbers. In Lafayette, 217 teachers have left. Vermilion Parish is second, with 135, nearly triple the amount that left last year. Then comes St. Landry, Iberia, Acadia, St. Martin and Jeff Davis parishes. And the year isn't over yet.

The question is, why are so many experienced teachers leaving the classroom?

After walking the halls at Iberia Middle School for 12 years, Principal Michael Bonin says this year, will be his last.

"At this point I don't think anything could make me stay. It gets to the point where you look in the mirror, and the job's not fun anymore. It's not what it was when you started, and you don't like the job anymore. So when it gets to that point, it's time to go," said Bonin.

Over his 31 years in education, Bonin has worn many hats, from coach to principal, and with just 15 days left, he reflects on the his career and changes along the way. He says teaching used to be about mentoring students, now it's about justifying everything you do.