Survey looks at how teachers feel about their jobs

How do Delaware teachers feel about their jobs? An annual survey aims to figure that out.

About 4,000 certified educators out of a total of 10,000 in the state responded to the 2017 Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning (TELL) Delaware survey. They answered questions on everything from workplace conditions to curriculum and student resources.

“This was an opportunity for our teachers and school leaders to let us know what is working well and where more focus is needed,” said Delaware Secretary of Education Susan Bunting. “This information can help shape policy and programs that support work and learning environments that meet our educators’ needs and support student achievement.”

The TELL Survey is conducted by a partnership of the Delaware Department of Education, Delaware State Education Association, Delaware Association of School Administrators, Delaware School Boards Association, and the New Teacher Center. It took place between May 2-26.

This is only the second time the state conducted the survey. The first took place in 2013. The data show improvements in the number of teachers who feel support for new teachers and professional learning are meeting their needs, according to the Department of Education.

The survey also showed how some challenges remain. Many still feel that class sizes make meeting every student’s needs difficult, and that teachers don’t have enough non-instructional time.

The full results are available here: https://telldelaware.org/results