New Survey Reveals Teachers Are Unhappy at Work—Here’s How To Support Educators
Experts say there are ways for parents to help.Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottPerhaps the saddest thing about a new teacher satisfaction survey conducted by ProCare Therapy, a school therapy and teacher staffing agency, is that no one will be surprised to learn just how unhappy today’s educators are.Of course, we all have anecdotes about how schools are understaffed and teacher turnover seems higher than ever. But the data from this survey underscores the startling facts behind what parents see happening every day in classrooms. Consider that, according to the findings, 47.2% of educators feel that teaching has negatively impacted their mental health.The reasons teachers cited for dissatisfaction with their jobs include the quality of their school system, student-teacher ratios, and the rates of turnover. As far as the factors that contribute to whether teachers are happy in their roles, autonomy and the cost of living are incredibly important, per the Teacher Haven Index, commissioned in the survey.
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The Best and Worst States for TeachersThe Index ranked all 50 states by where teachers are the happiest. Here are the top 10 in order:North DakotaKentuckyMissouriWest VirginiaWisconsinSouth DakotaNebraskaArkansasNew MexicoVermontThe bottom 10 states for teacher happiness are:NevadaHawaiiMassachusettsArizonaRhode IslandMarylandCaliforniaWashingtonAlaskaFloridaLouisianaPer survey, 15.5% of teachers said they would be happier if they had a more manageable workload, 12.6% said a better work-life balance would improve their job satisfaction, and 10.9% reported wanting mental health support.How Parents Can Better Support TeachersTeachers are dealing with so much more than many people realize, such as budgets cuts, an ever-changing curriculum, and even the politicization of their role in society, says Lightning Jay, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Teaching Learning and Educational Leadership at Binghamton University.In light of these findings, and how challenging it is to be an educator in America today, it’s imperative for parents to help teachers to be happier in their jobs. That can only add up to a better learning environment for kids.Indeed, as ProCare Therapy Senior Vice President Stephanie Morris tells Parents, “Parents can be a powerful source of support for teachers, and there are a few key ways they can make a real difference.” Communication is keyFor starters, Morris says that open communication between parents and teachers is essential. “Keeping a respectful and consistent dialogue with teachers helps parents stay informed and involved, and it makes it easier to address any challenges together," shares Morris.Suzanne Barchers, EdD, Education Advisory Board Chair at Lingokids, a play and learning app for kids, offers the advice that being patient, and avoiding heated confrontations is key. “Present yourself as a collaborator,” Dr. Barchers recommends, adding that parents should not expect teachers to solve all of their student’s issues.Show your appreciationSimple gestures of appreciation also go a long way toward supporting teachers, according to Morris. “A heartfelt thank you or a small token of gratitude can really remind them that their efforts are valued,” she says. That can include classroom donations of school supplies, books, and our time, which according to Morris, helps alleviate the financial burden on teachers, and improve their work-life balance.“What teachers really need is daily appreciation,” adds Dr. Barchers. She echoes Morris in suggesting that volunteering your time can truly go a long way in supporting teachers, such as organizing a snack donation rotation among the class parents.And don’t forget the rest of the school staff, including the principal, paraprofessionals, librarian, secretaries, janitors, and cafeteria workers. “All these people are dedicated to education," Dr. Barchers says. "Many receive extremely low wages."Parents who show appreciation to teachers can help make the job feel worth it, Dr. Jay says. And it doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. “A quick note telling the principal about how wonderful a teacher is; even a text saying ‘thank you’ goes a long way,” he says. “If a teacher has ever made your day by calling home with good news about your child, you know how meaningful a little praise is and you know how easy it would be to reciprocate.”Support educators on a larger scaleFinally, Rachel Cederbaum, founder and lead academic coach behind Gold Signature Writers LLC, an academic and enrichment service for students in grades K-12, as well as a former high school English teacher, says that parents can support teachers on a larger scale as well. “Joining local committees and writing to their local congressperson to advocate for teachers is also key,” she urges.Dr. Jay adds that showing up at school board meetings is key—and not just to express discontent. “Teachers need to hear from happy parents to balance out the angry voices,” he says. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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