LASD Teachers Respond to Climate and Culture Survey: Part 2 of 3

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In the first article of our review of a recent voluntary survey given to members of the Ludington Area School District (LASD) teacher's union early this year, we found out that for every satisfied teacher there were about seven dissatisfied ones among the 94 respondents (an 85% response across such teachers).  We found out that one of those areas of concern was communication between the teachers and the district itself (the school board and administrators) and we explored some of the responses, as those surveyed were encouraged to comment further on all topics.

In this, the second article of what will be a trilogy, we will look at the body of the survey, questions 4-14, and once again look at some of the relevant comments to better understand the trend in responses which range from one (not satisfied) to five (very satisfied).  Ergo, if responses indicate dissatisfaction across the board, we will focus primarily on the comments of the majority, especially those with poignant observations.  

Question 4:  Are you satisfied with how your grade level collaborates?   

Three in four are satisfied at this level of interaction.  "We are a fine-oiled machine." (#10), "No issues there!" (#43).  Yet many indicate that it could be better or notice disparities within the system.  Nevertheless, the responses show that teachers feel that collaborative interactions with their peers are going along well.

Question 5:  Are you satisfied with your department co-workers?

Three in five are very satisfied with co-workers and only one in nine are not.  "I value my department and my time with them." (#9), "Overall, I enjoy coming to work and being with our team." (#14).  "We are all tired, stressed and burnt out, but at least we like each other." (#38).  Teachers like each other slightly more than they do with collaborating with them.

Question 6:  Are you satisfied with the content of professional development (PD) being offered?

Only one in five are satisfied with PDs/PLCs, while three in five are not.  "Most of our PDs are a waste of our teacher's time." (#19), "I feel we fill meeting time to fill meeting time." (#25), "The current process does NOT support teaching and learning." (#57).  While many nod that teachers should have PD in place, most seem dissatisfied with the current program and think their time could be better spent.

Question 7:  Are you satisfied with the number of PD hours currently being offered?

With the disparity in the prior question, surprisingly responses are almost even between satisfaction, dissatisfaction, and neither, with the latter being the norm.   Yet the comments belay this overall neutrality by being mostly critical:   "I think we have plenty of PD" (# 17 and #22), "They're only being used as punishment." (#48), "Every meeting is now PD... it's beyond overkill."

Question 8:  Are you satisfied with how the superintendent communicates?

Four in seven are not satisfied, while only one in seven are, a fourfold difference.  While one expects some friction between teachers and the superintendent due to collective bargaining and such, some of the comments get quite specific on the issues:  "There is not a more slimy and dishonest person..." (#40), "I don't feel like we work together." (#18), "One of the most impersonal administrators I have ever encountered...".  Obviously, many teachers see problems with Dr. Corlett's ability to communicate with them. 

This question also addresses teacher communication with principals and VPs, with vice principals being the best communicators, with five in seven satisfied and only one in seven not.  Principals actually were more likely to leave teachers dissatisfied in this category.

Question 9:  Are you satisfied that you receive recognition for your work from the superintendent?

Only one of seven were satisfied, over half were dissatisfied, and that was more than flipped when it came down to the assistant principal (also asked).  "(He) called teacher and school daycare." (#4), "I don't feel he appreciates what teachers do on a daily basis." (#23), "He's very different from any superintendent, he's very cool and cold." (#40).  While superintendent/teacher interactions would be rarer than those with principals, many teachers indicate a distance even when he's available. 

Question 10:  Are you satisfied with the current evaluation process?

Half of respondents were dissatisfied, one in five were satisfied with the process.  "The process is inconsistently implemented and administrators are showing favoritism" (#13), "I hate the data that is used, as it doesn't measure what I do." (#11), "It's impersonal, and not very helpful." (#24).  Many teachers are also disappointed that "highly effective" is no longeer attainable.

Question 11:  Satisfied with how the Building Administrator conducts the evaluation process?

Nearly half are satisfied with the process, one in four are dissatisfied.  "I wish they... could be in classrooms more often." (#2), "I would like more guidance as to what I could do to improve." (#20).  

Question 12:  Are you satisfied with the opportunities to share in decision making?

Split between district level and building level, two of three were dissatisfied at the district level, only 6% were satisfied.  Even at the building level, less than one in four were satisfied.  "Superintendent makes every decision on every level." (#5), "I don't think our input is valued or truly heard." (#12), "Decisions are already made before we're asked for input." (#20).  Teachers feel widespread disenfranchisement at both levels.  

Question 13:  Are you satisfied with how the superintendent/principal supports your work?

Half are dissatisfied with the superintendent's support, one in five are satisfied.  "He has never done nothing to support my work!  Nothing!" (#26), "There is no support.  Threats, financial fines.  The custodial staff literally supports learning more in the district." (#32), "He doesn't listen to or value what teachers are telling him." (#18).  Only one in twelve teachers are dissatisfied with support from the assistant principal, so the disconnection with the superintendent continues to show itself.

Question 14:  Satisfied with the District's efforts in maintaining employee health and work life balance?

Four in seven are not satisfied, one in five are satisfied with this metric.  "What efforts?" (#18), "Not family friendly at all."  (#19), "Do I think I have too much being put on my plate?  Yes.  Does it affect my mental health?  Absolutely." (#31).  The overall consensus seems to be that they are enduring a lot of stress with little support from the district.

The final six questions, including the two final open-ended questions will be reviewed in about a week.