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PLEASE NOTE:  The letter below is the text of A-TSTA  president's presentation to the Alief School Board
on Nov. 27, 2007.  It addresses TEACHER RETENTION as it is affected by this year's schedule changes
and the increased pressures brought  to bear on teachers & paras by administration.

You may print this and circulate it person-to-person or post it for the benefit of non-members - - but follow district AUP and
do NOT email it or the link. 

November 27, 2007

Good evening, Dr. Hansen, Members of the School Board, & Dr. Stoerner - -  and, welcome to newly elected board members Ms Williams &  Mr. Moreno :

Over the last ten or fifteen years, I’ve attended quite a few board meetings.  In all of these meetings & workshops, I have picked up on an undercurrent that keeps surfacing in all that you say and do - -  I’ve noticed it in your discussions, in your budget reports, and in much of the business you conduct. It is understandably a theme of great importance to you all - - as it should be.

 The recurring theme that I’ve noticed over the years from you all is an often expressed desire to attract and retain quality, experienced teachers in classrooms across the district.

 On behalf of my membership, I would like to praise your commitment to this critical goal - - and encourage your continued efforts toward its accomplishment.

But, I’m worried. When I reported to you last month on the results of a quick survey of issues among my members, I focused on the issues themselves - - primarily, the loss of planning & preparation time in the school day due to the 7 period schedule.

 Tonight I want to comment on two other alarming facts from that survey which speak directly to retaining quality, experienced teachers:

  • 62% of over 300 respondents reported 0-10 years working in AISD

  • 76% of over 300 respondents reported they were seriously considering leaving the district

 I believe these statistics are a logical reflection of . . .

  • the loss of preparation time

  • the increased pressure from administrators on teachers to comply with duties, paperwork demands, etc.

The stress of these pressures will surely defeat your admirable goal - - and we will lose too many quality, dedicated teachers.

 And, what are the true consequences of that?  The children of Alief will lose the experienced classroom teachers that they so desperately need.

 Your teachers are the most valuable asset you have for the education of the children of Alief. 

 But, they are overworked, exhausted, and even sometimes ill  because of this schedule and the stresses of increased administrative pressures. 

And, exhaustion defeats productivity in any industry. 

 Remember your commitment to retaining quality teachers - - and work with us to solve this critical problem.

 It’s for the good of the children, after all.

Thank you,

Mary Ann Reuter
President
Alief – TSTA/NEA