We would like to share content and results of a poll taken of Hawaii Public School Teachers. Please feel free to send this to your networks. We believe the information from this survey is extremely beneficial and useful to teachers. Please note that The Learning Coalition survey focused on teacher supports and was taken prior to the teachers' contract vote. It is different to the Harold K. L. Castle Foundation poll that has recently been in the news.
In early 2012, with the assistance of Ward Research, The Learning Coalition fielded a state-wide poll on teacher sentiment to inform their technical assistance and grantmaking strategy. Information can also be found at The Learning Coalition Website at www.thelearningcoalition.org
The poll tested teacher attitudes in three key areas: Professional Satisfaction, Support Networks (parent, peer, principal and HSTA), and Working Environment. About 90% of the poll was completed before the HSTA contractual vote. The poll was particularly careful to avoid any questions relating to collective bargaining issues.
The poll looked across the teaching ranks, dividing teachers into three groups, teachers of <5 years', mid-career teachers of 5-10 years' and teachers of >10 years' experience. It also tracked school status to determine whether there was a bias based upon the NCLB status of the respondent's school, e.g. making AYP, not making AYP or in restructuring.
A lot of data was collected. Here are some highlights:
* The top three drivers of job satisfaction were compensation, public respect and a more collaborative culture.
* The biggest perceived drivers of effectiveness were smaller class size, more planning time with peers and better and more timely data on how their classes were doing.
In addition:
Promising news:
* 98% were proud to be a teacher;
* 91% were at least somewhat satisfied with their career choice to teach;
* 82% were at least somewhat satisfied with their principal's support;
* 88% were somewhat or very satisfied with the relationship they have with parents;
* 97% felt satisfied with their relationship with their peers.
Concerning news:
* New and more experienced teachers were much happier than mid-career teachers;
* 29% felt less satisfied with their career choice than in previous years;
* 38% disagreed when asked whether HSTA leadership represented their views;
* 16% disagreed with or did not understand their principal's strategic vision.
