Results from our member survey earlier this year revealed that the most challenging issues concerning educators were student attitudes and behaviors at the top of the list, followed by educator workload, and then teacher morale. Moreover, the majority of respondents indicated that their most challenging issues were different from prior to March 2020. The survey results also highlighted that on average, 16% of educators had to give up a prep period once a week to cover other classes with 63% of respondent’s citing having to give up this time less than once per week.
Regarding Pennsylvania’s teacher shortages, the majority of respondents felt that the lack of support and respect for public education was the greatest contributing factor, followed closely behind with student discipline and behavior. Furthermore, the top three things that members felt could improve schools for students, teachers, and staff were decreased responsibilities at the top of the list and followed by increased pay and then increased planning time.
When asked about plans to leave the profession, 36% of respondents said they occasionally contemplate leaving the profession, 73% of those planning to leave said they plan to do so after the 2024-2025 school year. In addition, responses showed that members are financially investing into their classrooms with 25% spending between $100-$200, followed by 19% spending between $200-$350, then 16% spending between $350-$500 and 15% investing over $500 in support of their students’ learning. Only a small percentage report spending under $100.
Regarding the reasons for being a member of the association, the top three reasons were being nonpartisan at number one, followed by professional liability insurance and then legal assistance in job protection issues. Furthermore, the survey revealed that only 19% of respondents were interested in attending a summer conference in south-central Pennsylvania, with more respondents interested in possibly meeting for a regional event.
The open-ended comments from members were positive, with several respondents expressing appreciation for the prompt response and support provided by KEYTA. Some respondents also expressed satisfaction with the nonpartisan stance of the association and the benefits it provides for its members, while others felt that becoming a KEYTA member was a rewarding decision that provided them with peace of mind and professional support.
