|
|
|
The views expressed on this page are
solely
those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the views of County
News Online
|
|
Linda Jacobson/Education Dive
Education Dive
Survey: Two-thirds of teachers report feeling more appreciated by public during pandemic
Shawna De La Rosa
Aug. 24, 2020
Dive Brief:
According to a survey from the Center for State & Local Government
Excellence, two-thirds of teachers feel the coronavirus pandemic has
made the public more appreciative of their roles, though a quarter do
not feel they were compensated fairly for their work this spring. The
survey was conducted May 4-20.
The majority of teachers trusted their state and local officials over
the federal government to make safety-related decisions. Also, 61% said
the pandemic had adversely affected their family financially, more than
75% were concerned the pandemic would affect their ability to save for
retirement, and 70% felt their profession put them somewhat at risk of
COVID-19 exposure.
In another Center for State & Local Government Excellence teacher
survey focused on perceptions of job and benefits, about 25% of
teachers who responded said they were "extremely satisfied" with their
general finances, and 40% were "very satisfied." But 40% reported being
"very satisfied" or "extremely satisfied" with their pay.
Dive Insight:
Regardless of higher levels of job satisfaction, teachers may choose to
retire or change fields if schools reopen before they consider it to be
safe. That could create a greater teacher shortage at a time when
budget cuts are looming. The Economic Policy Institute reports K-12 job
losses in April were greater than throughout the Great Recession. Those
who lost their jobs included special education teachers, teaching
assistants and tutors, as well as custodians, nurses, building
maintenance staff and counselors.
The Learning Policy Institute also suggests a 15% reduction in state
education funds is likely and could result in the loss of 320,000
teaching positions in the U.S., or about 8% of all teachers. During the
Great Recession, the teaching profession lost 275,000 jobs. But
reopening schools during the pandemic may require more staff to
implement safety strategies like reduced class sizes, which would
require more teachers.
A survey conducted between Aug. 14-19 by the National Association of
Secondary School Principals found principals were split on whether
COVID-19 accelerated their plans to resign or whether the pandemic
triggered thoughts of leaving the profession. Almost 50% of principals
who responded to the survey said they may leave their jobs because of
the political environment, working conditions and health concerns
during the pandemic.
About 5% of respondents said they plan to leave as soon as possible,
and about 17% said they would leave their positions in one or two
years. The reasons for dissatisfaction include lack of leadership,
planning and the politicization of the pandemic. Principals also cited
concerns over staff and students getting sick as the second reason they
are thinking about resigning.
|
|
|
|
