Tenn. Dept. of Education releases annual teacher survey results

JACKSON, Tenn. — For the sixth year in a row, more than 30,000 teachers participate in a statewide study.

The results are in for the 2016 educator survey conducted by the Tennessee Department of Education.

Among various topics, it’s a chance for educators to rank how they feel about their co-workers, student discipline and money.

Of those surveyed, 78 percent of teachers say they feel appreciated for the work they’re doing, and 93 percent of teachers reported they are in line with their coworkers when it comes to putting student needs first.

“We align our words and our actions to the core belief that all students can achieve at a high level when we provide the opportunities that they deserve,” said one teacher who was surveyed.

Discipline is where teachers and administrators show they are not on the same wavelength. The survey says 96 percent of administrators say the school effectively handles student discipline and behavioral problems and hands out punishments consistently.

Teachers, however, give this one an “F.”

While the state says the survey does not look at specific instances, there is concern about long-term impact from school suspensions, including lost learning time and an increase in the drop-out rate.

Also, 77 percent of teachers indicated “addressing students’ non-academic needs” as an area in need of tutoring.

When it comes to pay for the amount of work teachers are doing outside the classroom, only 10 percent of teachers say they receive adequate paid time for collaboration with other teachers outside of regular work hours.

The survey reveals 90 percent of teachers agree the best way for students to learn is by asking additional questions.