BALTIMORE, MD, February 25, 2025 – In an era in which influencer marketing dominates digital platforms, a groundbreaking study in the INFORMS journal Management Science unveils a surprising reality: sponsored content can harm an influencer’s reputation and reduce audience engagement.

University of Missouri researchers recently surveyed 468 teachers and found that 78% have thought about quitting the profession since the 2020 pandemic. And seasoned educators — those with more than 5 years of experience — were more likely to consider leaving than their newer colleagues, according to the study from Mizzou’s College of Education and Human Development. Teachers cited a range of reasons for wanting to quit, including a lack of administrative support, excessive workloads, inadequate compensation and challenging student behaviors. The findings highlight the need for schools and policymakers to better support teachers, helping them stay in the profession and creating better learning environments for students.