State launches NC teacher working conditions survey

Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that the 2010 North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey is now available online at www.ncteachingconditions.org. Educators have until April 16, 2010 to complete the survey.

The North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey gathers feedback from the state’s teaching professionals in all public, charter and special schools to provide vital feedback that will shape policies to improve teaching and learning conditions in schools. From previous survey results, we know that positive teacher working conditions contribute to higher student achievement and lower teacher turnover rates.

“As a former teacher, I understand what an important part working conditions play in the success of the school, the teacher, and ultimately, the student,” said Gov. Perdue. “The Teacher Working Conditions Survey allows you, as an educator, to make your voice heard.”

Survey questions focus on time, facilities and resources, community support and involvement, managing student conduct, instructional practices and support, teacher leadership, school leadership and professional development. There are also separate principal questionnaires for a better look at school administrator concerns. All responses are anonymous.

To encourage participation, members of the North Carolina Business Committee for Education will sponsor weekly and grand prize drawings for educators in schools that reach a 100% response rate. On May 1, results will be available online for each school that has at least a 40% response rate. Teachers, parents and community members can log on to www.ncteachingconditions.org to track the response rates of schools across the state.

A toll-free help desk has been established to provide assistance to those taking the survey. The help desk will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at 877-628-9208.

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