ATPE Foundation Regional Teacher of the Year Gathering Report Summary

1. ATPE FoundationRegional Teacher of the Year GatheringReport Summary June 2012

2. Background • The ATPE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and public charity dedicated to “the advancement of public education and the success of Texas schoolchildren through educator recruitment and retention efforts, literacy initiatives and technology programs.” • The ATPE Foundation planned a gathering for June 3-5, 2012 and invited all 2011-12 Texas Regional Teachers of the Year. • The purpose of the gathering was to both honor these great teachers’ accomplishments and gather information to help education organizations, agencies, school districts, and legislators improve public education. • The Foundation hired Creative Consumer Research (CCR) to talk in-depth with these regional Teachers of the Year to address this overall objective.

3. Methodology • Five discussion sessions were held in conference rooms at the Westin Austin at The Domain in Austin, TX: • Sessions lasted approximately 1.5 hours and were moderated by Joyce Walter and Joy Durham of Creative Consumer Research, • Sessions were conducted using an approved moderator's guide. • In the report and transcripts no names are associated with the teachers that participated in this study. • This report is based on the discussions from the focus groups • It is important to note that the purpose of a focus group is to gather the opinions and attitudes of a small number of individuals. • Because of the small number and the interaction between respondents, the results of focus groups cannot be projected onto the population as a whole.

4. Recommendations

5. Recommendations • Budget cuts have crippled many aspects of education including teacher training/professional development. • Recommendations: Teachers need creative solutions to address receiving continued quality professional development. • Associations should facilitate online courses; they are more convenient and cost-effective. • Invite big names in education to conduct webinars. • Design a series of mini trainings in conjunction with regions and districts around the state that teachers can watch in a module format.

6. Recommendations • Each district and region is almost an island unto itself where each has its own practices and knowledge. Many teachers state that more knowledge sharing across these lines can only improve the educational system. • Recommendations: Develop documents and practices that can be applied universally in the areas of mentorship and professional development. • Create a database of available professional development trainings that categorizes by subject, grade level, and interest area (i.e., it is for classroom management). Provide this information in several formats including online on a website, as an electronic document such as a PDF that is easily printable, and as information that is provided through a ‘hotline’ or ATPE assigned rep. • Create a mentorship kit that includes examples of mentor applications, a new mentee checklist of information to discuss throughout the process, and examples of how to have a beneficial experience.

7. Recommendations • Educators are not receiving the recognition and respect that the profession deserves. • Recommendations: Facilitate a ‘Star Teacher’ campaign to highlight the successes and sacrifices teachers contribute for the future. • The campaign can include a blog, news stories, radio ads, and special guest appearances to congratulate and recognize the teachers and their students/campuses. • Research what non-monetary incentives add value for teachers and how to involve the community in providing these in order to forge greater respect and involvement between educators and the communities. • Continue to be a voice for educators in the community and before legislators. Set up ‘Legislator Days’ where they visit a school and teach for half a day or a class period.

8. Recommendations • Any teacher that is new to the teaching assignment needs some guidance regardless if they are a veteran or a novice that earned an alternative certificate to teach. • Recommendations: Supplement what districts currently do with welcome kits. • The kits can include reference materials for professional development, space for the campus/mentor to complete contact information, and frequently asked questions. • Include details about ideas such as new teacher showers and teacher pep rallies that can help a new teacher acclimate to the new environment sooner. • Provide the information on a centralized location online as well.