For Immediate Release
Edutopia Readers' Survey 2007 Reveals What Educators Like Best, Dislike Most, and Need More Of
San Rafael, CA (April 18, 2007) -- How much do you think teachers spend out of pocket each year on classroom supplies? According to Edutopia magazine's second annual Readers' Survey, most educators spend $500 or more each year on supplies for their classrooms, and more than one in three of those heavy-spending respondents say they spend more than $1,000 a year.
"Our Readers' Survey is an opportunity to hear the opinions of those who matter most when it comes to education-educators," says Editor in Chief James Daly. "Whether we ask them what the greatest concern they hear from parents is or the best ways to keep new teachers from burning out, it's important to listen to the people who dedicate their lives to teaching our children."
The Edutopia Readers' Survey 2007 Also Finds:
"Good Morning, Dr. King"
When readers responded to "Who, from the past or present, you'd like to teach your class for a day," Martin Luther King Jr. was at the top of the list. Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein followed close behind.
Mentoring Makes a Difference
Nearly 50 percent of new teachers leave the profession within five years, so finding a way to retain teachers is crucial. According to educators, mentoring from an experienced role model is the best way to keep new teachers from burning out.
Please Say "Please"
What subject typically not taught in school should be? "Etiquette!" readers responded. Pushing itself politely to the head of the line of responses was the topic of manners, followed by money management and creative thinking.
What's the 411?
What's the hottest topic in the teachers' lounge? Well, for those teachers who even have a lounge to go to, gangs, discipline, and lack of student motivation are all commonly discussed, but testing tops the list.
2+2=4
Despite the groans of educators wearied by today's emphasis on math and verbal scores, the majority of Edutopia readers agree math is the subject they wish they had learned more of in high school and the one whose skills they retain the least.
Safety First
Teachers are frequent targets of parental anxiety, so when Edutopia readers were asked to identify the "Greatest concern expressed by parents," they did not hesitate to say safety is number one.
Like Father, Like Son
When it comes to education role models, respondents put the pressure on parents. As one responding educator explained, the best role models are "parents who show through their actions that education is important."
About Edutopia:
Edutopia is published by The George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF), founded in 1991 by filmmaker George Lucas as a nonprofit organization that chronicles and advocates innovative practices in education. In addition to publishing Edutopia magazine and the Edutopia.org Web site, it produces documentaries and publishes books and DVDs. To find out more about Edutopia magazine and GLEF's resources, go to www.Edutopia.org.
