Teacher ADVOCACY ISSUES IN TODAY’S POLITICAL CLIMATE State Teacher Forum Conference November 8, 2018 Jane Turner, Esq., Executive Director Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, & Advancement

Preliminary Questions What is advocacy? What are the issues you wish to advocate for and what do you hope to change? Do I know all of the background on the issue and what has been done to this point? Who has the authority or ability to effectuate the change?

Focus of Advocacy Efforts Creating a positive perception of teaching so students will view it as a desirable profession Supporting early-year teachers Providing resources for the needs of teachers, students, and schools Understanding and addressing the reasons why teachers leave the classroom

Teacher Recruitment/Retention Data SC traditional teacher education programs produced only 1,684 new teachers during the 2016-17 school year This represents a 30% decrease in the number of program completers over the past four years

R/R Data (continued) Over 6,700 teachers in SC school districts did not return to their same positions for the 2017-18 school year About 1,800 of those teachers moved to a teaching position in another district; over 4,900 are no longer teaching in any SC public school district

R/R Data (continued) Of the teachers who left at the end of the 2106-17 school year, 38% had taught five or fewer years; 12% had taught one year or less Excluding teachers who changed districts, 35% had 5 or fewer years of experience; 12% had one year or less Of the first-year teachers hired for 2016-17, 22% left during or at the end of the year and are no longer teaching in any SC public school district

Current Recruitment “Programs” ProTeam Teacher Cadet Teaching Fellows Alternative Certification Specialized Certificates SC Teachers Loan Call Me Mister Bridge Programs Rural District Incentives

Current Retention “Programs” Mentoring School and District-level Induction Teacher Leadership Opportunities National Board Support Rural District Incentives

R/R Proposals on the Table Increase amount of forgivable loans and expand forgiveness options Provide flexibility to develop alternate pathway programs based at higher education institutions Increase support for mentoring and induction programs

Regarding Salary… Legislatively-set minimum teacher salary schedule; districts may add local supplements For 2018-19, schedule revised to set starting salary at $32,000 and to raise all salaries by 1% For 2019-20, recommendations include a 5% increase and/or a change to the structure of the schedule; Legislature reconvenes in January 2019…

Other issues of Concern Standardized testing Paperwork, inadequate planning time, lack of resources Administrative support State funding for classroom and building needs

Effective Advocacy Be mindful that the legislature has to work within the confines of state revenue, existing obligations, and other state needs Be mindful that some issues are within the realm of the State Board, the Education Oversight Committee, or other entities Focus on impact on students, classrooms, etc., not just on teachers

Letters, Emails, Phone Calls, Meetings Always identify yourself, your position, and any group you are representing (if applicable) Be organized and concise Do your homework and have supportive information available Offer solutions, not complaints Be positive and appreciative

Social Media Avoid using social media for posting complaints or negative commentary Know that unintended audiences may see posts Understand that what you see on social media may not be accurate or complete District policies normally prohibit use of social media to post things that could negatively impact your ability to serve effectively as a teacher

Group Activities Membership organizations and non-profit entities may be active on advocacy issues that you are interested in being involved with Be certain that you are on the same page with the organization’s positions before joining in the advocacy efforts or serving as a spokesperson Confirm that you would not be in violation of your district’s policy by participating in an organization’s activities

Walk-outs/Strikes SC is not unionized and does not allow for collective bargaining; walkouts are neither authorized or prohibited District policy normally specifies exactly what steps to take when and if you are going to be absent from work Misuse of leave or violation of leave policies can be grounds for disciplinary action

Other Limitations on Advocacy Efforts Speak only for yourself unless you have been asked to serve as a representative or spokesperson No use of school equipment - even if off-campus or on personal time Avoid perception of coercion – be mindful of how conversations with colleagues might be perceived, even if off-campus or on personal time Adhere to district policies – such as with regard to distributing pamphlets, displaying signs, social media, etc.

Professionalism One underlying advocacy issue is working to establish teaching as a respected and influential profession How teachers advocate can have an impact on how the profession is viewed

THOUGHTS? QUESTIONS? Jane Turner turnerj@cerra.org 800-476-2387, Ext 6411