Poll of teachers shows frustration over pay, support for teaching the Bible

An annual survey of teachers found that 60 percent of K-12 teachers feel unfairly paid and two-thirds of them said the schools in their communities are underfunded.

The PDK International poll, which has measured public attitudes towards schools for 51 years, was released Monday.

The poll found widespread discontent across elementary, middle and high school public educators, with 55 percent of survey respondents saying that they would vote to strike for higher pay.

Among those who earn less than $45,000 annually, which is more than 25 percent of teachers across the country, the number of respondents willing to strike jumps to 67 percent.

{mosads} The survey, which questioned 565 teachers, found that half of the educators said they have seriously considered leaving the profession “in recent years,” and 55 percent of educators said they would not want their child to follow them into the profession, citing “inadequate pay and benefits, job stress, and feeling disrespected or undervalued,” according to the report.

One anonymous survey respondent said: “After working in my profession for five years, my annual income is $30,000 before taxes. I will never be able to own my own home at this rate.”

“I work 55 hours a week, have 12 years’ experience, and make $43K. I worry and stress daily about my classroom prep work and kids. I am a fool to do this job,” another respondent shared.

The report also showed support for teaching the Bible in public schools. Among teachers surveyed 58 percent say “schools should offer Bible studies as an elective,” and 6 percent say Bible studies should be required.

Support for teaching the Bible in school differs widely on either side of the aisle. Support for Bible studies in schools was at 78 percent among respondents who identified as Republican, including both parents and teachers surveyed, compared to 51 percent among Democrats and 43 percent among “liberals.”  

President Trump has embraced proposals from lawmakers that would allow public schools to offer “Bible Literacy” classes. The president tweeted, “Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. Starting to make a turn back? Great!” earlier this year.

Measures to allow Bible studies classes have been introduced in Missouri, Indiana, West Virginia, Virginia, Florida, and North Dakota. 

Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. Starting to make a turn back? Great!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2019