The biennial 2012 Teacher Working Conditions Survey results were released today. Since the New Teacher Center last administered the survey in 2010, control of the NC General Assembly switched from Democrats to Republicans. So, did teacher working conditions deteriorate or improve under Republicans? It turns out there was little change.
Class sizes are reasonable such that teachers have the time available to meet the needs of all students.
2010 agree: 61%
2012 agree: 62%
Teachers have time available to collaborate with colleagues.
2010 agree: 73%
2012 agree: 71%
Teachers are allowed to focus on educating students with minimal interruptions.
2010 agree: 70%
2012 agree: 70%
The non-instructional time provided for teachers in my school is sufficient.
2010 agree: 64%
2012 agree: 59%
Efforts are made to minimize the amount of routine paperwork teachers are required to do.
2010 agree: 54%
2012 agree: 55%
Teachers have sufficient instructional time to meet the needs of all students.
2010 agree: 69%
2012 agree: 69%
Teachers are protected from duties that interfere with their essential role of educating students.
2010 agree: 70%
2012 agree: 70%
Teachers have sufficient access to appropriate instructional materials.
2010 agree: 82%
2012 agree: 79%
Teachers have sufficient access to instructional technology, including computers, printers, software and internet access.
2010 agree: 80%
2012 agree: 78%
Teachers have access to reliable communication technology, including phones, faxes and email.
2010 agree: 89%
2012 agree: 90%
Teachers have sufficient access to office equipment and supplies such as copy machines, paper, pens, etc.
2010 agree: 80%
2012 agree: 81%
Teachers have sufficient access to a broad range of professional support personnel.
2010 agree: 83%
2012 agree: 83%
Please note:
1. It is important to not read too much into the slight increases or decreases in agreement. Most appear to be within the margin of error.
2. Answers to survey questions reflect, in general, policy and personnel decisions made at the local level. It is near impossible to assess (or quantify) how state and federal education policies influence working conditions.
3. That said, these survey responses suggest that the sky did not fall last year. Teachers are just as satisfied with their working conditions in 2012 as they were in 2010.
