Education Briefings for Candidates for Office Teacher Quality www.ncforum.org

State Supreme Court has ruled that NC’s Constitution guarantees the right to an equal opportunity to obtain a sound basic education : First, that every classroom be staffed with a competent, certified, well-trained teacher; Second, that every school be led by a well-trained competent principal; Third, that every school be provided... the resources necessary to support the effective instructional program within that school so that the educational needs of all children…can be met. Judge Howard E. Manning, Jr. April 4, 2002

Supply & Demand…a Crisis Looms Teacher & instructional support personnel in NC grew from 56,000 in 1980-81 to 109,108 in 2006-07. Student enrollment is increasing over 20,000 new students each year and will continue to increase for next 10 years; NC will need 100,000 new teachers over the next decade. 2,106 teachers retired in 2006-07 (86% full benefits, 14% reduced benefits)….represents 16.5% of those that left teaching. The turnover rate in 2006-07 was 12.58% Employment data from DPI, 2007 Statistical Profile; turnover data from DPI, 2006-07 Teacher Turnover report (http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/recruitment/surveys/turnover/reasonsteachersleave06-07.pdf)

Data from DPI teacher turnover reports (http://www. ncpublicschools

Five Year Teacher Turnover Average* Greater Than 15.0% Turnover (30) 12.5 – 14.9% Turnover (28) 10.0 – 12.4% Turnover (34) Less Than 10.0% Turnover (23) State average of 12.58% Data from DPI teacher turnover report

Data from NEA

Data from CTQ, Lateral Entry Brief (http://www. teachingquality

Teacher Preparation at NC Colleges & Universities 48 colleges and universities have approved teacher preparation programs 2005-06 3,446 student teachers 2006-07 3,909 student teachers BUT…. Only about two-thirds of student teachers were employed in NC schools the year after they graduated. 2005-06 cohort – only 92% licensed only 68% employed 2006-07 cohort – only 94% licensed http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/ihe/reports/2006-07/full/performance.pdf

Teaching Qualifications of Current Force 52% are K-8 teachers 48% secondary & instructional support personnel 36% have a master’s degree or higher 12,770 have National Board Certification

“Average NC Teacher”: white (83%) female (80%) age 42 NC Teacher Profile “Average NC Teacher”: white (83%) female (80%) age 42 with approximately 13 years of experience Break in service due to child-care

DPI, 2007 Budget Highlights Source: DPI (FY 2006-07)

1/5th Take Nontraditional Routes to Teaching The Quality Issue… 1/5th Take Nontraditional Routes to Teaching

In the past 3 years, salaries have increased nearly 18%. Teacher Salaries in NC In the past 3 years, salaries have increased nearly 18%. Starting Salary $30,000 ($29,750 plus lump sum sign on bonus of $250) With 5 yrs. experience $34,910 With 10 yrs. experience $38,710 With 31+ yrs. experience $52,080 Master’s Degree +10% at each step Natl. Bd. Cert. +12% for ten yrs. Local Salary $1,993 average supplement

Teacher Salaries in NC Raise Salaries for Teachers & Instructional Support 1%=$40.1m NC’s average salary $43,992 27th in the Nation, down from 22nd in 2003-04 National Average $49,026 NC is 93% of national average

Source: Public School Forum based upon NEA data (FY 2006-07)

Mississippi - $30,900 North Carolina - $30,000 Tennessee - $29,215 Source: Public School Forum based upon NEA data (FY 2005-06) 2007-08 Comparison Data Alabama - $36,144 Georgia - $32,609 Mississippi - $30,900 North Carolina - $30,000 Tennessee - $29,215

Time or Lack of It….. The Ultimate Achilles Heel of Teacher Quality “What Do Teachers Need to Succeed?” Quotes from the N&O, August 8, 2004 “Time is a critical factor for all questions of professional development.” “One of our biggest focuses needs to be time for professional development and planning for the school day. One of the most beneficial things we can do for teachers is to give them time during the day” “Nearly half the respondents to a new survey of state teachers on working conditions said they lacked the time needed to collaborate productively. More than half said they had fewer than three hours a week for planning.”

Jo Ann Norris jnorris@ncforum.org 919-781-6833 www.ncforum.org