For Immediate Release
March 27, 2014
Survey of Colorado Teachers Demonstrates
Support for Innovative Education Policies
Englewood, CO - Today the Professional Association of Colorado Educators (PACE), the largest non-union educators' organization in the state, released its 2014 Membership Survey about possible reforms to education in Colorado. Survey results show forward-thinking stances on policy changes, from pension reform to how we license teachers.
With policymakers considering new ideas for Colorado's education system, it's critical that educators' opinions and experiences are taken into account. As a member-driven organization, PACE strives to bring an authentic teacher voice to the education reform dialogue, providing valuable input from professional educators across the state.
"PACE takes positions on issues based solely on member feedback," stated PACE Executive Director Kris Enright. "Our goal is to connect with real educators on the front lines and provide them with a voice."
With regard to Teacher Empowerment, PACE members stress the importance of more autonomy for teachers:
- 77% of survey respondents support a policy that would require the deposit of a percentage of each student's per-pupil-funding into a classroom account to be used, with proper oversight, by the teacher for class projects and equipment. This would better ensure that dollars are making their way to the classroom to benefit students.
- 81% of survey respondents support a policy that would create a process through which classroom teachers could apply for waivers from local, state, and federal mandates like prescribed curriculums, pacing guides, minimum or maximum seat times, or any other mandate that interferes with offering a properly tailored education to fit students' needs.
When it comes to the way in which teachers are licensed in Colorado, PACE members felt strongly that changes need to be made to eliminate artificial barriers that keep talent out of the profession, while also creating a higher standard for those who want to qualify as professional educators.
- 72% of members support eliminating artificial barriers to gaining initial entry into the profession by requiring only a clean background check, a bachelor's degree, and a passing score on a content-area exam.
- After a new teacher gains entry into the profession, 68% of teachers support raising the bar for teachers that want to earn a professional license by requiring the satisfactory completion of a 1-3 year apprenticeship program under the daily mentorship of a proven educator.
The United States has become an increasingly mobile society in the twenty-first century, but teacher employment policies in Colorado have not adapted to this new reality. Teachers are overwhelmingly calling for changes that will give them the ability to relocate without being penalized:
- 89% of survey respondents support a policy that would require school districts that use years of service as a primary factor for compensation to credit a teacher who transfers from another district with all of their prior years in the classroom.
- 89% of teachers additionally support offering a portable, 401(k) style retirement option that teachers can choose instead of the current pension plan, which they can take with them if they move to another state or switch careers.
"We are proud to give a voice to educators across the state," asserted Enright. "We hope their viewpoint will be useful for policymakers and administrators on all levels as they continue to shape the future of Colorado's education system."
Complete survey results can be found at coloradoteachers.org/images/pdfs/pace2014survey.pdf
The Professional Association of Colorado Educators (PACE) is the state's largest non-union professional educator's organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to teacher representation and educational advocacy, as well as promoting professionalism, collaboration and excellence without a partisan agenda. PACE members are forward-thinking professionals who are committed to student-centered reform. PACE welcomes professionals from all educational entities. Membership is $15 per month, which includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional development resources, as well as a host of other benefits. Visit Coloradoteachers.org for further information.
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