Changes in the Era of Reform Present  Our students  Our teachers  Who are our teachers today?  What do they feel are the answers to school reform?  What are their challenges?  What does research and experience tell us we should do?  How can education foundations maximize impact?

Who are our students today?

Our Children 5-17 Years Old Race / Ethnicity1980- (47,232)2012- (53,729) White74.6 %53.8% Black14.5%13.9% Hispanic8.5%23.2% Asian1.7%4.5% Pacific Islander-.02% Am Indian/AK Native.08.09% 2 plus races-3.6%

Poverty Level for 5-17 Year Olds US17%21% Connecticut9.8%13.9%

Who are the students in the pipeline ?

Our Children Under 5 years Old Race / Ethnicity1980- (16,451 M)2012- (19,999-M) White72.4 %50.1% Black14.7%13.8% Hispanic10.2%25.8% Asian1.9%4.6% Pacific Islander-.9% Am Indian/AK Native.08.09% 2 plus races-4.6%

Who are our teachers?

Our Teachers 1986 to (2.2M)2012- (3.4-M) < 29 years old < 5 years of teaching 11 % 8% 21.1% 26% Female69%84% White91%84% Black6%7% Hispanic2%6%

Teacher Preparation and Beliefs  How has teacher preparation changed ?  What do today’s teachers believe and how have those beliefs changed/stayed the same ?  Are today’s teachers satisfied ?  What does message do many reform efforts tell them ?  What is within their control ?  What does research tell us we need to do to enhance satisfaction and reduce job stress ?

Sources of Job Burnout Burnout Societal Role related Personal Organizational

Social Support Network Person Listener Emotional Challenge Emotional Support Technical Challenge Technical Support Shared Sense of Reality

How can foundations make the most impact ?  Education Foundations give us flexibility and the chance to be creative  You are above the politics of education  You can fund things that really matter but some may think are “frills”  You know the players and you know the context of the community  You can do important things at bargain levels, more efficiently and effectively

My suggestions  Todays teacher’s are more complex than ever before  One size does not fit all  Teachers today and in the future will be working with students from diverse backgrounds  Support innovative programs and experiences that help faculty address the unique learning needs of their students  Support programs that enhance family and community engagement in schools “Beyond Bake Sales”

Suggestions  Support collaborative learning efforts  Focus on teachers but don’t forget leaders (especially building level)  Invest in professional development outside the school day that brings teachers and administrators together  Invest in team building and culture building activities  Invest in professional development that emphasizes experiential learning- takes in understanding teacher all learn differently  Fund travel to visit successful schools, international cultural awareness programs, summer institutes

Fund Materials  Do what you can to help low income children bridge the technology gap  That make the common core come alive  Think ahead to prevent problems that hurt the roll out of new programs  For example- the new science standards are around the corner (Next Generation Science Standards)

Be the voice  That supports teachers  Supports leadership in your schools  Supports community and parental engagement in your school  And supports the education of all of our students – today’s and tomorrows