The New Teacher Center published its Maryland teacher survey findings from last spring which is accessible online at www.tellmaryland.org. 54% of Baltimore City teachers responded compared to 62% statewide. Aside from the Baltimore Sun’s article about the survey’s findings, in reviewing the survey, I found some inconsistencies and critiques.

To begin, some schools that no longer exist somehow have survey results! For instance, Canton Middle which closed two years ago had survey results despite Friendship Academy for Science & Technology, a new charter, currently occupying the former space (100% participation rate, congrats!).

Second, the Sun article begins, “Maryland has a remarkably satisfied teaching corps, three-quarters of whom feel positive about their work.” Wait, so does this mean that 25% of teachers feel negative about their job’s impact? Certainly, that is not a majority, but is it still somewhat alarming that a quarter of teachers might feel this way- the adults presumably leading our students to success? Not so remarkable in my opinion.

And then on to one of the most criticized topics, especially in urban education: teacher retention. Looking at Baltimore City’s results, only 41% describe their long-term plans as to “continue teaching at my school.” Now plans to remain in education but to move into a administrative or non-administration role made up nearly the other 40%, so that percent can’t be taken straight-up; however, the sense of schools retaining highly-qualified and committed teachers for the long-run is still diminished. The two factors most affecting willingness to keep teaching?

DO NOW: Assemble your “mind map” or “spider-web” graphic organizer to create a list of factors you believe affect teaching willingness to remain teaching at your school. Done?

Despite the possible superfluity of responses (post your favorites as comments!), the survey narrowed options to the following eight factors: 1) time during the work day to plan and collaborate, 2)facilities and resources, 3) school leadership, 4) empowerment, 5) professional development, 6) community engagement, 7) student conduct, and 8) student learning. Which two do you think garnered 53% of responses?

Survey says….School leadership (30%) and Student learning (23%). Agree or disagree? In fact, variance in survey results for this category between City and State was minimal.