InClass

The Arizona K12 Center’s Executive Director, Kathy Wiebke, offers her education insights in this monthly column.

Arizona educators will soon have a unique opportunity to express their feelings about education in our state. Continually, we hear stories about teachers leaving the profession and crippling challenges in classrooms. What is lacking is data surrounding these realities. Stories move us, but so do numbers.

Beginning April 3, Arizona educators will have the opportunity to provide input on key education issues that support school-, district-, and state-level improvement planning by participating in the TELL (Teaching, Empowering, Leading, and Learning) Arizona Survey. Research across the country shows that positive teaching and learning conditions are essential for student success and educator retention. Your voice is critical.

The 2017 TELL Arizona Survey will provide educators with data, tools, and direct support to facilitate school improvement. The survey includes questions on the following topics:

• Community Engagement and Support

• Teacher Leadership

• School Leadership

• Managing Student Conduct

• Use of Time

• Professional Development

• Facilities and Resources

• Instructional Practices and Support

• New Teacher Support

Every school-based, certified educator has the unique opportunity to provide valuable input on key education issues that support school improvement planning. Educators will be able to take this confidential and anonymous survey in 30 minutes or less from April 3-28. Our goal is 100 percent participation!

Teachers know education, at its core, is the exchange of knowledge from the teacher to the student. Our experiences are the base point for any plans, goals, or objectives to improve education. Our voices matter. It’s time to speak up and be heard.

We have the power to improve teacher retention and create supportive school environments where we feel valued, trusted, and empowered to collaborate. This is our chance to improve education in our state.