Survey shows teachers support steps Tennessee has taken to fight learning loss

A new survey finds Tennessee teachers support the key academic initiatives the state has launched to recover learning and accelerate student achievement.That was one finding of the results of its 2022 Tennessee Educator Survey (TES) shared by the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) FridayThe survey included responses from over 50% of teachers and administrators across the state. It’s designed to collect data that will help guide decision making on key issues facing schools and classrooms.  This year, the survey focused on COVID-19 related challenges and Career and Technical Education (CTE), among other topics."The Tennessee Educator Survey is a valuable tool used to hear educators’ perspectives and better inform decision-making across K-12 education,” said TDOE Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Teacher participation in the survey is highly encouraged to ensure the department is hearing directly from the educators across the state to make insightful decisions that are beneficial to Tennessee’s students.”Since the pandemic, Tennessee has focused on academic recovery. Eight out of ten teachers taking part in the survey believe that the tutoring their students had received has created improved academic performance in their classroom.Another major issue following the pandemic has been teacher retention. When asked about plans to continue teaching in their current school the following year, only 77% planned to stay – down from 82% in 2021.Career and technical training programs have been gaining traction in school districts since receiving additional state funding in 2021. These programs prepare students for post-secondary workforce and technical certification success. Ninety-four percent of respondents said students were interested in CTE programs.The interest in career readiness programs has been evident with the growth of funding and interest in the communities. In January, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce specifically recommended Metro Nashville School District expand its CTE programs and make them more accessible due to student demand and positive feedback from all parties involved in the program.The TES covered other areas of interest, including tutoring and non-academic student demands such as mental health counseling and trauma response. All results and responses will be used to carefully consider necessary changes moving forward within districts and state-level policy."We use the results of the Tennessee Educator Survey to assist in aligning goals of our administrator growth plans, school/district improvement plans, and our 5-year district strategic plans,” said Dr. Christopher Causey, Director of Schools, Robertson County Schools. “This data is invaluable in creating the learning environment needed to help our students excel."Survey questions can be accessed on the department’s website in addition to the full report.