Statement by Edward J. McElroy, President, American Federation of Teachers,
On MetLife's 2006 Survey of the American Teacher

WASHINGTON, D.C. — MetLife's "Survey of the American Teacher: Expectations and Experiences" is important reading for anyone concerned with attracting good teachers and keeping them in the profession.  Teachers' professional expectations are reasonable—it's the reality many of them confront that needs to change. 

Teachers are clear about what they need to be successful and fulfilled in their profession: preparation that equips them for the realities of the classroom, on-the-job support, resources to perform their jobs well, and meaningful input in schoolwide decisions.  For too many teachers, these important pieces are lacking or missing altogether.

The good intentions and high expectations teachers bring to the profession often give way to such deep dissatisfaction that an alarmingly high percentage of them leave the profession prematurely.  But it doesn't have to be that way.  Respondents to this survey agree that competitive salaries, increased financial support for schools, and more respect for the important, challenging work teachers do would help bring their reality in line with their expectations.

We commend MetLife for the work it has done on the 2006 edition of the teacher survey.  "Expectations and Experiences" is a timely study that gives voice to the most vital influence in our nation's schools:  the very teachers whom we trust to educate our children. 

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