New Hanover County teachers and other staff members have provided overwhelmingly negative feedback about working for the district, according to a climate survey.
The survey, designed to get feedback on where they believe the district can improve, was sent to teachers in May and included questions submitted by the school board.
The survey was facilitated in coordination with the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Watson School of Education and was rooted in Bolman and Deal's conceptual framework. This framework aims to systematically identify areas for improvement throughout the district, according to the survey presentation.
The goal of the survey was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the district's strengths and weaknesses, which will in turn lead to action from the district to enhance the educational environment for staff and students, according to the survey presentation.
How many teachers responded?
According to the survey presentation, a total of 1,988 staff members responded and 24.35% of those that responded were classified staff, which is 484 people. Certified staff made up 75.65% of the respondents which is 1,504 staff members. The response rate was 87.54%.
Survey highlights
The following are statements, which teachers responded to with a variation of different answers, including "strongly disagree," "disagree," "neither agree or disagree," "agree," and "strongly agree."
On district leadership:
- "There is an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect in this district." About 72% of teachers responded that they disagree or strongly disagree, 16% responded that they neither agree or disagree and 10% responded that they agree or strongly agree.
- "District leadership are aware of what goes on in the classrooms." About 78% of teachers responded that they disagree or strongly disagree, 10% responded that they neither agree or disagree and 8% responded that they agree or strongly agree.
- "District leadership actively seeks, and values input from staff at all levels." About 76% of teachers responded that they disagree or strongly disagree, 12% responded that they neither agree or disagree and 8% responded that they agree or strongly agree.
Teachers described district leadership as "out of touch," and that they feel a disconnect, lack of support, lack of respect and that they don't feel valued.
"I have worked in the district for 24 years and I feel the least valued, trusted, and supported this year by our superintendent and instructional leadership than I ever have," one teacher responded.
On the board of education:
- "The Board of Education is in touch with the realities and challenges that teachers and public schools face." About 80% of teachers responded that they disagree or strongly disagree, 11% responded that they neither agree or disagree and 7% responded that they agree or strongly agree.
- "The Board of Education works to create a positive educational climate to attract and retain teachers." About 74% of teachers responded that they disagree or strongly disagree, 16% responded that they neither agree or disagree and 7% responded that they agree or strongly agree.
- "The Board of Education works effectively to improve public schools in New Hanover County." About 69% of teachers responded that they disagree or strongly disagree, 19% responded that they neither agree or disagree and 10% responded that they agree or strongly agree.
Teachers said that the main things the board should do to improve are to leave the politics out, attend to major educational issues, support educators, not be out of touch and include all students.
"Ask teachers!!! There are so many policies that just don't make sense, but no one asks how these things might logistically look in a school," one teacher responded.
On the curriculum:
"The curriculum allows for experiential and hands-on learning experiences." About 57% of teachers responded that they disagree or strongly disagree, 24% responded that they neither agree or disagree and 19% responded that they agree or strongly agree.
"The curriculum is flexible and adaptable to meet the diverse needs of students." About 64% of teachers responded that they disagree or strongly disagree, 20% responded that they neither agree or disagree and 16% responded that they agree or strongly agree.
Teachers said they are frustrated over the curriculum selection process, curriculum appropriateness, teacher autonomy and flexibility, engagement and interest, alignment with standards, implementation and support as well as cultural relevance and sensitivity.
What can be done to fix it?
For district leadership, some suggestions were to increase leadership's engagement, empowerment and trust, comprehensive training, transparency and communication as well as focus on education and not politics.
For the school board, recommendations were to reduce political agendas, enhance support systems and involve teachers in decision-making.
Flexibility in curriculum, providing adequate resources and ongoing feedback and adjustment were all suggestions to improve curriculum.
Board's reactions
Board chair Pete Wildeboer said the survey results were eye-opening. He said he wanted to potentially have an educator-only town hall where teachers could come and speak to the board.
"One thing that I found very positive is the fact that the educators want us in the classrooms," Wildeboer said, and that he would personally work to do a better job of getting out and into the schools.
Board member Pat Bradford said she was surprised that teachers had no idea how concerned the board is with discipline and safety.
"I really appreciate that everyone is saying they want to listen, they really appreciate the input and they're taking it to heart," board member Hugh McManus said, "but I must add the one thing I haven't heard anyone say, so I'll say it for you is let's take the politics out of what we're doing in the school system."
Board member Stephanie Walker, who led the effort to create the survey, spoke to the numbers of teachers who answered the survey.
"Over 87% of certified teachers answered the survey," Walker said. "That's not one or two people mad about something."
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