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hatever reforms society may attempt in public education, in the end much depends on the morale, drive and aspirations of the teacher standing in front of every classroom. In Stand by Me, Public Agenda examines the attitudes of America's public school teachers--about their jobs, the challenges they face and the reform proposals that may change what they do.We found teachers have a fierce loyalty to their profession, tempered with a sense that society expects far too much of them. They feel vulnerable to unjust accusations from students and parents, budget cuts and favoritism from administrators and ill-informed reform plans. Teachers see the flaws in unions and the tenure system, but they believe both are needed to protect them from the risks they face.
Yet teachers also see virtues in many reform plans. They are strongly supportive of higher standards, although they have doubts about standardized testing. Teachers are open to some kinds of merit pay and to alternative teacher certification. There are significant differences between new and older teachers here, with newer ones more likely to support merit pay and less attached to unions.
On the Front LinesTeachers love their profession but often see themselves under siege. For many, testing and accountability is the latest battleground. (More info on testing and accountability)
We've found teachers have a strong commitment to their work.
If you're a teacher, what makes you love your work (or hate it)?
What keeps you coming back every day?
You Can't Draw Blood from a StoneTeachers have confidence in their own skills, but they doubt whether teachers, by themselves, really can make sure that all children learn. (More info on social pressures teachers deal with)
Is it too much to expect teachers to overcome the
obstacles outside the classroom? Or is that a cop-out?
A Thin Line of ProtectionTeachers often feel vulnerable to a wide range of dangers--unfair charges from parents and students, bureaucratic machinations and favoritism, simpleminded educational "solutions" and cost-cutting. Their union is their ally, one they can count on. (More info on teachers' unions)
Do you think teachers' fear of unjust
accusations is reasonable or overblown?
TenureTeachers freely acknowledge that some teachers shouldn't be teaching, but they believe tenure is needed to protect good teachers against unfair treatment. (More info on tenure)
Is it too hard to fire bad teachers, or is that the price we
have to pay for the needed protection of tenure?
Paying More for Better PerformanceTeachers are receptive to giving extra pay to those who work harder or who work in the most challenging schools. But they balk at paying more to teachers based on test scores or the subject they teach. (More info on merit pay)
Do you think "merit pay" for the best teachers would improve schools?
Grooming New TeachersTeachers believe new teachers need help--particularly in the areas of discipline and classroom management--and they are surprisingly open to the idea of alternative certification. The findings are encouraging about mentoring but mixed about professional development. (More info on alternative certification)
When you were a new teacher, what kind of help did you need? And did you get it?
Are Newer Teachers Different?There are substantial differences between the views of veteran teachers and new ones. New teachers are more likely to support proposals for merit pay; unions are much less significant to them. (More info on new teachers)
Why do you think new teachers have different attitudes than veterans?
Stand by Me was funded by The Broad Foundation, the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Sidney J. Weinberg, Jr. Foundation. Find out more about the sponsors.
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© Public Agenda 2003