MetLife Survey of the American Teacher

Posted by on March 12, 2012

Breaking point

The 28th Annual MetLife Survey of the American Teacher reports the past two years have seen a significant decline in teachers’ satisfaction with their profession, a decrease of 15 points since last measured, and the lowest level in the survey for over two decades. This decline is coupled with large increases in teachers who say they are likely to leave teaching, and in those who feel job insecurity. Those with high satisfaction are more likely to have adequate opportunities for professional development, time to collaborate with other teachers, more preparation and supports to engage parents effectively, and more coming together of parents and schools to improve learning and success of students. Overall, majorities of parents and teachers say teachers’ health insurance and retirement benefits are fair, but salaries are not. Also, three-quarters of teachers have faced budget cuts in their schools in the last year, consistent across urban, suburban, and rural schools, as well as schools with either low or high concentrations of low-income students, minority students, and English language learner students. Two-thirds report layoffs of teachers, parent/community liaisons, or other staff, and a reduction in school budgets, programs, and services at a time that students and their families have an increase in needs.

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