Survey finds teachers feel positive about current literacy educator experience in Tennessee

A new survey of Tennessee teachers shows a strong majority are supportive of the state’s efforts to improve literacy.The 2023 Tennessee Educator Survey found perception of the English language arts (ELA) curriculum improved for more than 70 percent of educators.The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and the Tennessee Education Research Alliance (TERA) released key findings and responses from the survey this week. The state administered the survey to 50 percent of teachers and 47 percent of administrators from February 27 to April 17.“We are grateful for the thousands of educators who participate in the survey each year,” said Executive Director of TERA Laura Booker. “Their perspectives help inform decisions made in their districts and schools and provide rich data that can be used to study pressing policy issues in K-12 education."K through second-grade teachers in particular expressed favorable views towards their ELA curriculum.Around 79 percent of K through second-grade teachers felt they were adequately trained to teach children how to read using science based foundational literacy skills and were comfortable incorporating those skills into their teaching. Additionally, more than 60 percent agreed the curriculum is engaging to students,Teachers also had positive perceptions of the supports and tutoring programs that are offered to students who need them.Both teachers and administrators expressed concern about the capacity of these programs. Nearly 60 percent of administrators identified a shortage of tutors as the top barrier to implementing the tutoring program. For elementary schools, this number was close to 70 percent."The Tennessee Educator Survey is a valuable tool that highlights the state’s commitment to hearing directly from educators on their experience teaching in Tennessee,” said Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds. “Participation in this survey is crucial, as responses have a direct impact on the ways we plan to support our teachers throughout the year.”The Tennessee Educator Survey is a voluntary, confidential survey that is open to all teachers, administrators, and other certified staff. The data collected is used to understand educator experiences and inform decision-making on key issues in schools and the classroom.