Michigan’s largest teachers’ unions have released results of a survey of roughly 11,000 members, finding morale among educators is low, and they have several concerns. Michigan Education Association president Steven Cook was not surprised by the results.
“If there were any surprises, it was the depth of feeling, how strong they felt about a number of issues,” says Cook. “That was a little surprising, but the overall results weren’t.” Some of those issues are worries about pay, standardized testing and performance evaluations.
“Whatever problems we have currently in education, and we’ve got a lot, I think many stem from some of the decisions Lansing has decided to make,” says Cook. “Our message to those folks is to listen to us. Ask us. We’d be more than happy to share.”
Just over 50% of respondents answered “no” when asked whether they feel they’ll be able to comfortably retire. About 80% said they feel they are underpaid to some degree.
