1. 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

2. 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?

3. 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

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

5. R/R Data (continued)
Over 6,700 teachers in SC school districts did not return to their same positions for the 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

6. R/R Data (continued)
Of the teachers who left at the end of the 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 , 22% left during or at the end of the year and are no longer teaching in any SC public school district

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

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

9. 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

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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

19. THOUGHTS? QUESTIONS? Jane Turner turnerj@cerra.org
, Ext 6411