National Teacher Survey looks at how the
teacher shortage is affecting classrooms, why career changers are
critical and the reasons teachers recommend the profession to
others
Teaching is one of the most visible and publicly debated
professions in the workforce, and a recent University of Phoenix®
College of Education survey indicates more than nine-in-ten (92
percent) K-12 teachers are satisfied with their career choice, and
more than two-thirds (67 percent) would recommend the profession to
others. Eighty percent of teachers who joined the profession within
the last ten years would recommend it.
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, University of Phoenix
surveyed more than 1,000 K-12 teachers across the nation to explore
how they feel about the profession and what can be done to attract
high-quality teachers in the midst of a critical teacher
shortage1. The online survey was
conducted on behalf of University of Phoenix by Harris Poll in
April.
How the K-12 Teacher Shortage Is Impacting Districts and
Schools
Nearly two-in-five (37 percent) K-12 teachers indicate at least
one full-time teaching position is unfilled in their schools, with
an average of 2.6 unfilled positions. Twelve percent say there are
five or more unfilled full-time teaching positions in their
schools.
Some of the issues teachers report due to potential teacher
shortages include larger class sizes (42 percent), needing to teach
subjects in which they are less fluent (23 percent) and more
teaching toward the middle with less differentiation and
individualized instruction (21 percent).
“At a time when schools nationwide are facing teacher shortages
while trying to help students stay competitive in areas such as
STEM, it is critical to highlight the incredible opportunities that
exist in the classroom,” said Pamela Roggeman, Ed.D., academic dean
for University of Phoenix College of Education and former 17-year
K-12 teacher. “Retiring baby boomers and fewer people entering the
profession are contributing significantly to today’s shortage, and
attracting high quality candidates with diverse backgrounds is
vital to future school success.”
Career Changers in the Classroom
The survey also reveals more than a quarter (27 percent) of K-12
teachers switched careers to enter the classroom. When asked why
they made the switch to teaching, 37 percent of career changers
said they always wanted to be a teacher, 28 percent wanted a change
of pace and 18 percent decided to re-enter the workforce after some
time away.
“Every child deserves an amazing teacher and career changers can
play a huge role in helping address the nation’s critical teacher
shortage,” said Roggeman. “Career changers bring rich experiences
to the classroom because their backgrounds often help connect
lessons to real-world applications.”
Why K-12 Teachers Specifically Recommend the
Profession
More than three-quarters (78 percent) of K-12 teachers say the
ability to profoundly affect students’ lives is a key reason to
join the teaching profession. Other top reasons include: The
variety that exists because no two days are alike (49 percent) and
the lifelong learning opportunities (48 percent) that exist in the
profession.
Teachers’ roles are also evolving. Nearly half (49 percent) of
teachers who have been in the classroom for at least five years
indicate they have gotten more opportunities to assume leadership
roles in their schools than they did five years ago.
“There is arguably no other profession in which individuals
regularly seek you out 20 years later to share the impact you had
on their life choices,” said Roggeman. “Many Americans feel stuck
in their careers, but as the survey indicates, teaching not only
allows you to affect others, but also provides variety and the
ability to constantly grow your own skills. It is a great time to
be a teacher.”
There are many diverse pathways to the classroom. Roggeman
recommends some tips to get started:
• Become a substitute teacher. This is a great way to get
engaged in K-12 schools and determine which level you feel most
suited to teach.
• Volunteer in a school or with community youth
organizations. This can help you better understand how children
learn and stay engaged.
• Research alternative licensure programs. Explore the
programs that lead to licensure. There are many options for those
who want to make career changes and are working full-time.
• Do informational interviews. Talk to teachers and
administrators about the field and qualities and preparation that
lead to fruitful teaching careers.
• Find a mentor. Once you’ve decided you want to pursue
teaching, seek out a mentor who can provide coaching and feedback
about what it’s like to be in a classroom.
For more information about teacher preparation programs,
continuing teacher education and professional development programs
at University of Phoenix, visit phoenix.edu/education.
For general information about University of Phoenix programs,
including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by
students who completed the program and other important information,
please visit phoenix.edu/programs/gainful-employment.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by
Harris Poll on behalf of University of Phoenix between April 14 and
25, 2016. Respondents included 1,005 U.S. residents employed
full-time as teachers in grades K-12 who have at least an
undergraduate degree. For complete survey methodology, including
weighting variables, please contact Tanya Burden at
tanya.burden@apollo.edu.
About University of Phoenix® College of
Education
University of Phoenix College of Education has been educating
teachers and school administrators for more than 30 years. The
College of Education provides bachelor’s and master’s degree
programs for individuals who want to become teachers or current
educators and administrators seeking advanced degrees to strengthen
their professional knowledge. With education programs available
throughout most of the U.S., the College of Education has a
distinct grasp of the national education picture and priorities for
teacher preparation. Faculty members on average bring more than 17
years of professional experience to the classroom. For more
information, visit phoenix.edu/education.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working
adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly
changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses,
and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue
career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives.
As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:
APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population,
offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree
programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well
as online throughout the world. For more information, visit
www.phoenix.edu.
1 http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/pol/tsa.pdf
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University of PhoenixTanya Burden,
303-570-0617Tanya.Burden@apollo.edu
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