I understand that this project was meant for students to be heard, but I strongly believe that teachers need to be brought to this discussion, too. Though, there are only four responses, it is important they are heard and acknowledged.
Teachers give a lot to be in their classroom and teach a room full of kids. A teacher can make or break a student in this system. They are part of the students' nurture. Teaching is one of those jobs where, the salary isn't why you do it, you do it because you care about helping kids and being part of their path to success. The average teacher salary in Nevada for the 2018-2019 school year was $55,950, which is much less than the average teacher salary in the nation that same year, which was $62,304, according to the Legislative Counsel Bureau.
Mental health concerns are very real and present for teachers. On January 28, 2021, the Nevada Department of Education presented this in a presentation about the results from the Nevada School Well being Survey, saying, "Mental health challenges continue to be a concern for educators". This was said twice and highlighted in this presentation, though, there are no tangible solutions. This is could be for a lot of reasons, but one of the most probable reasons is funding. Education is always one of the least funded programs in Nevada. This is apparent because, according to the National Education Association, in the 2018-2019 school year, reported that the average per pupil spending in Nevada was $9,847, while the national average is $12,978.
Many of these teachers have been teaching for decades. This means they have a unique perspective they have seen the changes and how it has fixed or complicated things at schools.
This being said, here are the teacher responses:
I went into teaching because I enjoy helping people; especially helping people learn new things. It is something I find very fulfilling.
I went into teaching because I liked reading. As I began my education and English courses, I felt I would be good at teaching literature. I still love the job. With that said, I struggle with the fulfillment part as the years have gone on. Education has become a difficult career.
I went into teaching to help have a positive influence on young people and get them interested in ways science could better their lives or careers. Yes it is fulfilling but it is also very demanding.
It's fulfilling. Yes, because it was my dream to become a teacher and help students. It is unfulfilled because administrative work and student attitude.
I definitely feel supported by my colleagues and administration. I feel appreciated by my students. Even if they don't necessarily show it all the time, I do know it's there. When it comes to parents and other people outside of education, I feel like teachers overall are definitely under appreciated.
I do not feel appreciated as a teacher anymore. It has become a struggle. The public blames student achievement on teachers. Parents blame teachers for their lack of achievement. Students do as well. Certain administrators blame the teachers as well.
I am appreciated by the ones that it matters to. Students who come to school each day wanting to learn are who matter most to me. There will always be students who sit in class not wanting to be there, they don't appreciate much in life.
I think I am appreciated as a teacher by my Supervisors, because according to them, there is rigor in my classes. I think I am not appreciated by my students, precisely because of that rigor.
Full participation and motivation is a big difficulty in my subject area. Most of my students participate in class, but it isn't always a 100% focus. Outside practice is a necessity for group success and most of my students only do what is expected inside of the classroom, but rarely do the required work outside of the classroom.
There are many factors. Student in general (not all) have a general apathy toward learning. The curiosity for learning has waned in the last 10 years. Students used to love coming to school, now it seems like a chore. Behavior is another issue. Some students do not have respect for teachers or themselves. Attendance is a problem. Cell phone/headphone usage are a big distraction to students' learning.
SO MANY!
The lock of interest and lock of accountability.
I feel the overarching problem extends OUTSIDE of CCSD and surrounds American education as a whole. Most people leave a profession because of working conditions, low pay, or not feeling appreciated. Education in America features all of these aspects. It is difficult to do a job well when you don't receive the support you require; no matter how much you love the job. If the teachers do not care, then that gets passed on to their students.
My department (English) has tried to have a cell phone policy. But it is difficult to enforce.
CCSD needs to invoke a no cell phone policy.
CCSD also needs to remove grade reform. We are teaching our students that they do not have to do any work to be successful and the working world does not operate that way.
CCSD needs to support teachers. Students and parents overrule teachers.
Lowering class size or putting 2 licensed teachers into the same room.
The improvements I made in my classes are teaching my students above the established curriculum.
If I can improve by the help from CCSD, it'll be the grading system. This will involve students and parents accountability.
Recognizing and acknowledging teachers' needs. Many teachers voice their opinions and even try to offer solutions, but they often get ignored.
CCSD needs to allow for input from teachers. We are the ones in the classroom, not them. They need to see what we deal with and how it needs to be handled. Education is very difficult.
Stop asking teachers to do everything and always blame the teacher when things don't work out. Student accountability has been thrown out the window because it has become easier to blame everything on the teacher when the student fails.
Enforcement of disciplinary standards.
I do love parts of the community in Nevada. I was born here, so I don't find any reason to leave. However, that is also the sole reason why I choose to stay in Nevada. I could certainly be persuaded to teach out of state if the offer is appealing enough.
In all honest, my retirement. I am close to retirement and my benefits are here. If I were younger, Nevada would not be the place I would end my career at. Education is not a priority in this state.
I enjoy the sunshine, weather, retirement system, and many types of food and entertainment.
Because I live here.
Education in general is underfunded. Las Vegas has a lot of income floating around, but the least of it goes towards education.
Safety is number one. Students and adults need to wear ID's so we know who is supposed to be on campus. Attendance needs to be better and students need be successful in school so that they may be successful in life.
More access to online labs and simulations through programs like Gizmos, Labster, McGraw Hill, or Glencoe. These online simulations and labs help teachers drastically!
HOLDING STUDENTS ACCOUNTABLE.