Teachers Comment on "Teachers, Moonlighting, and Morale"

Texas teachers who responded to the 14th biennial study of "Teachers, Moonlighting, and Morale" were not bashful when asked to give their comments on changes that could be made to improve their profession.

David and Travis Henderson collected some 130 comments from the 225 teachers who responded to their random survey. They included:

"At our school, we have 23 first graders in each class. We've been told that there is no limit this year due to Katrina. Only 2 of our students came as a result of Katrina, so we feel that our district lacks integrity for claiming this 'exemption.' It's just too much---too many hours, too much stress, and too much TAKS pressure. I'd estimate 75 percent of our faculty is on some type of anxiety medication."

"I'm going to a private school this spring."

"I do realize that after 21 years of teaching, I have learned to let go of some things and go home."

"Less paperwork. It is killing us!"

"Considering the benefits I have, after 18 years in retail--I will probably retire from teaching long before I quit TARGET."

"Texas needs teachers but wonders why their classrooms are empty. Look at the way teachers are treated. Also the TAKS test does not prove a thing and the No Child Left Behind is a joke. Start listening to teachers and see what happens.   We do have good ideas."

"Not enough support, too much testing, and teaching to the test. Miraculous expectation of a novice teacher without sufficient support. We don't get supplies in a timely matter. Been waiting since first of school for overhead projector and limited to 500 copies per month. NO respect as a professional. I took my husband off my insurance because it is too expensive. I carry me and the kids."

"I am overwhelmed with outside-of-the-classroom responsibilities--staffing, ARD's, duties, and outrageous number of committee meetings and the extra-curricular activity, which I direct. I often have spent time that I should be spending with my family, taking care of school responsibilities in my 20 years of teaching. I have seen my profession change from one that is respected and regarded with a sense of professional to one that is overworked, overwhelmed, and regarded with little respect.   Teachers with my number of years of service are trapped by our pensions from leaving the profession."

"NO parent believes their child would act that way--or 'you just don't like my child.'"

"My family is almost bankrupt. A daughter in college and medical problems has caused tremendous debt! $60,000. My last raise was $500 year. With teacher retirement and income tax taken out, the raise was only $26 a month.

"I've become very dissatisfied with the teaching profession in the last few years. Due to the low pay, low respect, continued addition of expectations by TEA paperwork, and discipline problems, teaching is no longer the rewarding profession it was years ago. I would not recommend this profession to any young adults looking for a career. Teachers are overworked, disrespected, and under paid!"

"We have to do so much paperwork, there's not enough time to prepare to teach quality lessons-especially with special needs. The discipline is so lax, a student knows he/she can do almost anything without consequences. There is very little respect for the teachers-not only among students, but among administration. Don't the administrators of the school know that teachers are the most valuable resource?"

"I wish we could send all the kids home and go on strike--tell the parents and school board that when they are willing to pay us so we can earn a good living (like many of them do), and be respected for our professionalism, we will allow them to send the kids back and we will educate them. Until then, teachers will be taken for granted. 'Those who can't do teach'--nonsense. I 'did' fine for 16 years and made more money as a secretary.   I just love to teach."

"I'm miserable, depressed, and overstressed. 28-year old teacher."

"As an educator in Texas, I feel that education is now about he state test. TAKS--we live, eat and breathe TAKS. Our children are only taught strategies and test taking skills. Other contributing factors to teacher stress are student behavior and attitude as well as those of the parents. Students now want a prize for going to school and doing well. All I hear is 'so what am I going to get if I pass.' How sad that it has come to this."

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See also: Texas Teachers Working More, Enjoying It Less--SHSU Study

SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
April 28, 2006
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