The Great American Teacher Shortage | Dr. David Jeck | TEDxWarrenton
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- Опубліковано 10 жов 2022
- What has made the decision to become a teacher or remain a teacher so difficult? Why has teaching become so stressfully, so non-gratifying, so unattractive? This is the current state of teaching in our country, but there are many strategies we can employ to effectively address this problem. Dr. David C. Jeck is currently serving in his 15th year as a Virginia public school superintendent making him one of the longest tenured superintendents in the state. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Nyack College (NY) in 1988, a Master's Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1994, and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from UVa in 2010. He has been teaching future school administrators at George Washington University since 2010.
Dr. Jeck has received numerous awards including the 2018 Virginia Association of Superintendents Region IV Superintendent of the Year Award, The George Washington University "Student Choice Award," and the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals "Pathfinder Award." His first book, "Courageous School Leadership" will hit book stores in March. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
The day of reckoning is here. Disrespect, unreasonable demands, poor student behavior, lack of administrative support, and lack of public/parent support. A teacher shortage is just a clever way of saying that the people that were willing to work for the low wages and sub par benefits are no longer willing to do so. And while it’s bad now it’s going to be exponentially worse next year.
Here teachers get a huge amount of respect and support. I have lived in America and will never go back. The respect given to teachers is one of the reasons that I am glad that I live in China. 🇨🇳
@@Mr.Patrick_Hung lol. China. The land of lockdowns. And totalitarian
You said it exactly. And it's going to get worse next year and continually will get worse. Everyone knows this, including the Secretary of Education. Nothing is being done ---- but can anything really be done?
@@jillsalkin7389 Not until parents do better
Where are your unions? Aren't they supposed to represent your interests?
There's something definitely wrong with the system when I tried to call the student out for their behavior and I'm the one that has to go down to the principal's office. Saying that we have no support is a huge understatement.
Here’s the thing though, PARENTS do agree with you. And we’ve spoken out about accountability, partnership, and collaboration but to be called angry and crazy for caring, just keeps the gap there between us.
Yes I experienced being corrected when a student called me a horrible name.
Some people should never have kids
Wow, as a teacher of nearly 30 years considering exiting the profession I once loved with all my heart, this guy gets it.
Same. Almost, 30 years in and trying to plan my escape.
The shift in responsibility and accountability from students and parents to teachers has created a system where exhausted, stressed, and overworked teachers just give up. If they can drag themselves through the rest of their careers catering to increasingly ridiculous demands from parents and administrators, basically giving out fake grades that students don't earn just to avoid a lawsuit, and losing every bit of joy and validation that the job used to provide, they can retire with a half decent pension. The price is their pride, self respect, and mental and physical health. I used to love this job. It still has its' bright spots, but the workload and unreasonable demands are burning me out. Something has to change.
Boy, did you say it. It would take a total overhaul of behaviors ---- won't happen.
Totally accurate .
I was a "teacher" and left. There was very little to do w/ teaching. All the duties, tasks, meetings etc... had zero to do with teaching and helping kids. Teaching was not even a priority in schools. Wish it had not evolved into this.
Government jobs.
I'm a teacher and I am only 35 years old. If things don't change, I'll leave teaching by the time I am 40. A Walmart greeter seems to live a happier life and they do not get blamed for everything. Figure it out society!!
I appreciate the days you can do. And I don't fault you for the day you leave. Thank you!
If you’re not leaving bc you hope it’s going to change. Yeah, it’s going to change. It’s going to get worse. 😂😂
I left and went to Amazon and have no regrets!!
Haha...I'm 40 and I just quit a few days ago. I made it to 16 years of teaching. The stress, how much time I spend doing paperwork, learning a new curriculum with no training but being expected to teach it, unrealistic demands, lesson planning, meetings, pointless professional development, class sizes, pay, lack of respect, taking creativity out of the classroom, constant testing, feeling like no matter how hard you work it's not good enough, and some administrators have finally pushed me out.
@@sabrenak9063 not sure if to say congrats or not. I'm glad you left this toxic career and I hope you find a job where you feel valued and respected for the work you do.
I retired after 18 yrs, because I couldn't take the stress. I could have taught another 20 yrs, but my health & family would have suffered too much. This crisis is ONLY beginning.
I applaud everyone who is brave to leave. I wish I did the same .
It sounds like there isn't a teacher shortage. There's a shortage of respect, resources, salary, and support. And some people in the USA like to point out how other countries surpass us in education. Hmmm...
I'm a first year teacher leaving due to mental health reasons. I feel horrible but I want to be happy. I thought I would be a good teacher but I can't do it. I'm starting over. To those I disappointed I'm sorry but I want to be happy
Your mental and physical health will thank you.
You will not be disappointing me! I’m proud of you for putting your mental health first. That’s a huge step to take ❤
@Gamerteacher Many talented teachers feel this was
You need to do you! You are not the disappointment- the system is.
You ARE a good teacher. It’s the system and conditions you work in that are the problem. Find a career that gives you joy and self respect.
This gentlemen circumvented a core issue not even mentioned: classroom behavior and the rise of disrespect. The actions and deeds of majority of students does not create a pleasant environment to encourage teacher retention. That’s a huge problem
Yes! classroom behaviors interfere most with my job.
Exactly.
Exactly. And no one seems to want to talk about it.
@@blugreen123 Today I felt so undermined I almost walked out. The only thing stopping me is fear of them taking my certificate.
A good teacher will always figure a way to persevere. However, what really makes teachers stay is having the right pay. Also, academic bureaucracy makes it hard for the teacher. Everything the teacher has to report to the admins.
Respect for teachers doesn’t cost the tax payer a dime. But parents and administrators will not show respect. So where’s that leave us?
My most favorite teachers challenged me, expected respect and treated everyone the same. They can’t do these things anymore.
I left education in 2014 and never looked back. I now work as a therapist and wish I had made the transition 20 years ago. I was a teacher and administrator for over 20 years and it is disheartening to see that absolutely nothing has changed except for getting worse. Everyone I meet who says they want to be a teacher I strongly urge them to reconsider. I worked in Henrico County Public Schools and it was an environment that not only didn't support teachers but bullied and harassed them in the workplace. Teachers aren't fired, their jobs are made miserable enough to get them to quit. I know this is true because as an administrator I attended a leadership conference sponsored by the school district where they had a labor lawyer who explained how this works and how to do it.
Thank you for stating this.
We have a principal who said straight out if they don't like you, they will get you to quit.
Stress…. Being held accountable for something you have no control over!
YES!!
This is global this issue. This guy seems a real decent guy. Biggest shift has been the move from teachers being "experts" to parents being experts. How did we allow this......
Just give us a fifth day for planning--no kids. It's a strong start to teacher retention that wouldn't cost the district any $.
With no meetings on that 5th day.
@@akc1739 they'd find a way to take it from you
Also add to all this is America has historically had a hatred of education in large segments of the population.
One factor that played into unrealistic parent expectations was the rise of digital communication. It began with email. Later, my parents could direct message me on my phone through ClassDojo. The extremely rare phone call was replaced by constant communication around the clock. Some good, some just because they couldn't be bothered to find the class newsletter, some complaining about other parent's children. The relative anonymity of internet culture seemed to bleed into their choices of when and how to contact teachers. This became one of many things on our plates. The rise of the PLC process and required meetings with your team stole countless hours from us because everything had to be documented and prepared in a particular way. At my school, we met first thing in the morning while students were coming in to class, then returned the favor for the teachers who had to monitor them. We were always supervising children in other grades who we didn't fully know. All this before the day began.
Same thing in medicine, more and more time and money is spent on meetings and paperwork instead of helping patients.
It's awful. Parents and students just think you're being rude when you tell kids to follow rules.
Teaching is a government job. Pointless bureaucracy is a given.
Well said!
I told my husband that the pay is not too bad. He replied “you forget you work 24/7.” 😅
This is the epitome of what teachers endure. The issue with the public school system is that they know what to do to fix things regarding the teachers but they refuse to implement it. They don’t hold these kids accountable for their actions, no one supports one another. Who would want to put up with this for the next couple of years? It’s only getting worse, more teachers are leaving.
As the son of a teacher I cant possibly agree any more .... support your teachers!!!!
Could not agree more! Im leaving education this year!
1. There’s not a shortage. Shortage indicates lack of. There’s no lack of teachers, they are still here, just not willing to be in the “profession” anymore
2. All the conversations around this topic is ridiculous and it’s the same thing being said. At the end of the day the people responsible for the education system knows what to do to retain and gain teachers.
#1 = 1000%
I’ve been saying the same exact thing because it’s true.
This is my eighth year teaching. After relocating I had to turn to subbing. This assignment paired me with a teacher who bragged about getting a $5000 raise. My income this year projects to $7900. No benefits, retirement payments taken out of my check, for a retirement plan which in my case I'll never be able to get. I had to consider welfare, can't pay bills, can't get hired. Teacher shortage? My last district wouldn't certify me because my transcripts did not contain a lesson planning course. 30 years ago. Teacher shortage? Redesign schools so they hire people who care about real education.
My wife who is a teacher has taught for 20 years full time now is becoming a substitute teacher so she doesn't have to mark, deal with parents and do report cards on her own time. And more money because administration thank yous are meaningless
So we're not gonna talk about student behavior, which is one of the biggest reasons teachers are leaving? Alrighty then. 🙄
It's the elephant in the room that everybody other than teachers loves to intentionally avoid!
Thank you!!!!
@@munimathbypeterfelton6251 100%
Yes no matter what I try it's hard
It’s awful. And they think they’re doing right by kids with “restorative justice”… it’s hurting EVERYONE and helping NO ONE!
I teach AP biology and I love it, but I need to find a second job. I have advanced degrees and with inflation it’s simply too expensive to stay in the classroom here. In addition to the entitled parents and low student accountability, it’s not worth it.
Best way to stop the 'shortage'? Pay us.
Kids need to stop verbally and physically attacking their teachers.
@@texasabbott it's a parenting problem so yeah, the problem is start from home but of course many parents refuse to take responsibility for their kids behavior
Yes. I don’t have kids or a husband to take care of so I don’t mind the extra work but FOR MORE PAY PLEASE
Oh yea he said it’s not really solely the money 😂 but start paying them 6 figures. See what happens 😂
And actually have real consequences for student behaviors.
I left the system after 20 years of award winning service due to the poor leadership of this man. During Covid, teachers were pulled in a million directions to cover for those who were out sick while Jeck and his staff sat at home. They should have been rolling up their sleeves and returning to the classroom to help… but that didn’t happen.
I would also like to point out that the picture he used to attack parents who speak at school board meetings- is a picture of a man speaking at a board of supervisors meeting…. NOT as school board meeting as he claims.
Thank you for noting that. I was suspect of an administrator speaking on behaf of teachers.
Thank you!
So this was a PR stunt to intimidate current and former staff.
I plan on resigning after this semester.
How about the teacher evaluations in which 40% of our rating is based on grossly inappropriate standardized tests - even at the kindergarten level? That’s what we’re dealing with here in Michigan. You want to talk about a demoralized teacher workforce? Start right there. Not to mention the HOURS and HOURS of wasted class time spent “preparing” for and taking those assessments. Oh, I could go on and on. But really, what good does it do? 🤬
@ 6:04 there's a teacher on her laptop planning during the TEDtalk.
I've been happy, job-wise, ever since leaving high school teaching at the end of 2020. I've literally not had a bad day at work since then. When teaching, I averaged 2 to 3 bad days per week.
Strongly relate!
Great speech. But physical change needs to happen. Nothing changes when people say teachers need more of something, and nothing physically happens, and passing the buck is the process. I experienced the nice verbal support for 15 years. Then I quit in 2019.
Yeap, but teachers now are not even in the "thank you for your service" lot, as other underpaid, misunderstood, public servants are. They are literally harassed for being what they are.
It's one thing to deal with a difficult student, but then to deal with their difficult parent? Screw that. I just can't stand parents who enable their child's bad behavior. I just had my last day on Friday. Woohoo! I couldn't stand the schedule. Back to back classes with only 4 minutes passing period and I'm suppose to stand at the door to smile at students when I could be prepping my classroom. Can't leave the classroom for restroom or to get water or to get something from the printer, etc. We're not even suppose to send a student to the office to get the printed copies.
After teaching for 18 years (it was a second career), I retired in Jan., 2020, right before Covid. I cannot imagine being a teacher of record now. I sub, but I choose where I go.
"Faith without works is dead." Amen.
Actually, that was taken way out of context.
Thank you for speaking out for teachers. There should be more administrators out there like you. Two years of teaching left but I just don't know if I can do this for two more years.
I am a 19 year old undergraduate student who is studying to be a teacher. I am someone who has been a bad teacher, and who plans on being a great teacher. The reason I felt like I had to leave this comment is because I was scrolling down and felt like all I could see were the terrible experiences. Please know that I am not judging anyone. I am deeply sorry for all of the pain that teachers have and are going through. To paraphrase one heartbreaking comment, I just want you to be happy too. In 20 or 30 years, I could be the same way. But, maybe it's just my youthful idealism talking, I am DETERMINED that I will not. I know my why for pursuing this as a career path. "Why" can't do everything, but I am going to do my best, in whatever little capacity I have, to make a difference in people's lives. A comment on a Ted Talk won't do anything, I still have to go and do it. I just wanted to shout into the void that I, as a member of the rising generation, am afraid of the culture I am facing...but I WILL NOT quit. Whether I end up changing the system from a position of power or just doing my best in my own little classroom every day, I want to be a part of education. I think it'll be hard. I think I'll have to buck against current trends. I think I'll spend hours into days into months into years putting in the work and fighting for my students. And maybe it's the idealism talking, but I think I'm going to love it.
Thanks for reading this, if you did. It was nice to say what I feel. :)
You said a mouthful! I'm proud that you're from my home state.
This should be compulsory viewing for ALL parents.
Before I began teaching in public school, I believed that homeschooling kids was denying their experience and expertise of professional educators. After 5 years, (I had to leave because of serious health issues) that conviction was shattered. Teachers didn't teach, they administered tests. Helping to raise my nieces and nephew over the following 15 years, I became the school connection while their parents worked. In that time, I saw even more worked packed onto teachers, shorter and shorter class period with more periods added...the tip of the iceberg.
Out of 100+ students that I taught in HS...only 1 became a teacher and subsequently worked her way through 2 PHds. She is now the principle in that school. 1 teacher out of 100+. From my own public school upbringing in a small town...some 40 years now...there were at least 20 people from 3 graduating classes that went into the profession.
Will it take total collapse before genuine changes are made?
Bless you for telling the truth
As an Aussie who grew up in the sixties/seventies we had a lot of very good ex-pat teachers from the USA.
The more I hear about the employment conditions, the less I am surprised by their migration.
It's hard enough to force unwilling detainees to focus on the prescribed information, but also being acceptably non interested in the future and politics is a long shot.
FINALY SOME TRUTH, THANK YOU!
It’s our individualistic society that is rotting our education system. Everyone thinks they’re entitled to control the PUBLIC school system with their ideologies. Finland doesn’t have a problem because they still trust their institutions. And it doesn’t hurt that Finland is a homogeneous, socialistic society. This is the price America pays for its overwhelming cultural plurality. I’m all for diversity and inclusion, but America needs a reawakening on what a PUBLIC education means.
Yes to everything he said. But it's also not only important but crucial for the well-being of individuals and our nation for teachers to teach in an age-appropriate way that racism exists, still affects people of color detrimentally, and is what our country was founded on. Kids of all Races need to understand this. Why not fearlessly defend this too? I couldn't imagine if I wasn't able to read Zora Neale Hurston in High School or learn about Harriet Tubman in elementary school because some racism denier wanted those banned.
Notice how empty that auditorium was, that speaks volumes.
Here in Australia there is a teacher shortage. The salary is better than many other OECD countries - 9 years classroom teachers of experience and above paid around $110 000. And still it is the crazy conditions and excessive testing that impacts quality teaching. And who suffers? The students!
Money does not equal success
Jane pardon me but I accidentally hit the unlike button. I am an educator here in USA but I resign at the end of the 2021-2022 school year in May. There are so many issues to unpack here in the USA. It’s a challenging profession. I’m actively pursuing a career with a combination web development and cybersecurity.
Everybody suffers.
Plenty of blame to spread around for the state of schools in the US. When Baltimore schools, for example, have a 3% grade proficiency rate in math, everyone and every damn thing has failed.
Genuine question: For those who have taught and have endured miserable working conditions, unaccountable students and families, etc, does the stress arise from a higher level such as administration and unreasonable expectations or where from?
Why they keep saying there is a teacher shortage is beyond me. What there is, is a system that is so dysfunctional it destroys teachers before they even begin. And now, the word is getting out, which is why so many are looking for other options.
You can beat your drum about wanting to respect and pay teachers more but when LCPS does neither this whole talk comes off as wildly disingenuous.
The entire area is full of junkies now. Not one person isn't taking some daily pill or drug, its like a mental hospital, I encourage you, take the drive. Go see for yourself, and I think is zanax, not meth or they do both
What area are you referring to?
@@mabe6616 sorry, if you were looking for precise locations, pretty much any gas station that sells glass tunes, just park and watch. 7 11s are good. But sometimes it can be hard to determine if it's a drunky or a junky.
PAY THEM A LIVING WAGE!!!!!!!
MN teachers must agree to teach CRT and sign a contract to do such. If they don’t follow up, they not only risk losing their job, THEY RISK LOSING THEIR LICENSE!!!
I left yesterday, I couldn’t take it any longer. I started last week but still 😣😪
Everybody who came out to address these problems. But how can they be fixed? And if any school district is going to try it. That should be the question.
No one is commenting about school shootings that the speaker brought up. Are there other normal occupations that actually have this risk outside of police/security?
And it seems like he's just listing problems and preaching to the choir without any real solutions.
That principal from Lean On Me (Morgan Freeman played him) is desperately needed right now.
I’ve been teaching for over 25 years. It’s only got worse. No improvements in student outcomes. Hopeless leadership. Go Finland 🇫🇮
He can join their ranks...he missed the boat and nothing will change
They can't be too short they way the principal is doggin' my daughter out, trying to get her fired!
While I appreciate the talk, the speaker says one thing that is a huge contributor to the problem: "I work for parents." Actually, you don't. You work for the community, and the government. They set the standards, they require the credentials, they provide the funding. Parents need to know their place, or homeschool.
Nothing said about holding parents and students accountable for bad behavior and under performance.
Pay teachers more. There I fixed it.
Also have parents and students be held accountable for their actions towards teachers
NOTHING spoken on student behavior and how students no longer have to be help accountable??!!!
Did you notice how oddly he crossed his legs, near the beginning of the video?
This is an important lecture.
Thank you.
First - It takes 6 years to train a teacher (4 years in uni and 2 years on the job before you're any good) so start fixing the problem 6 years ago)
Second - US is a capitalist country, so cost of supply must rise when supply is scarce (= wages)
Third - Poor admin - I was reprimanded for physically intervening in a boy/boy fight, and the same administrator reprimanded a colleague for not physically intervening in a boy/boy fight (outside of school and after the bell)
Fourth - Armin teachers (really - Only in US - no other country...) You would have to give teachers weeks of tactical situation training, and not just firing range time. Who subs for the teacher while they are off doing their firearms training?
So many more questions.
You sir could pay your teachers more if you and some others took a pay cut yourself 👏🏻
You're wrong Dr. David Jeck about CRT. It is in the school and it comes from the top. It's not taught the way it is at Harvard Law School but as a teacher who taught in the inner city, all the principals of CRT are applied.
Can you please supply the names of the schools and exactly what principles of CRT are being applied in classroom instruction? I think a lot of people would find it enlightening to know such information.
🙄
I'm the author of EIGHT DAYS IN AN INNER CITY SCHOOL. When will someone do something about the out of control OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING for k-12 teachers in this country. That's why we have teacher shortages
Look like the audience quit. I used to teach. The politicians can go teach your kids. Good Luck😊
Miss we need a translator.
يشبه نتنياهو!!! ههههههههه
تعديل: 2:07 ما هي "المجتمعات المدرسية" ؟ هل تعني بذلك مجتمعات التي تخدمها المدرس/المؤسسة التعليمية ؟
تعديل 2: أمريكا ليها نظام تعليمي رائع 3:50
The only reason teachers are leaving are the students.
This is one of the reasons that I am glad that I live in China. 🇨🇳
Teachers are well respected in all Asian countries
@@jeanyang5737 You are correct 💯. Valuing education says something about where a society is going. Don't teach in America and expect to be treated well. Asia is the future
It’s a strike. Maybe they’ll listen to our silence more than our demands
I have taught in Alabama for almost thirty years. I do not recognize the system you are describing. My kids are great. My parents are fine. My admins are good. I love teaching and I won't retire until they force me out in a wheelchair.
OK, are the kids sometimes a pain? Sure. Can parents and admins be unreasonable? OK sure. Is the pay too low? I guess. But I have had other jobs and teaching is the best. Remember, the grass is always greener.
I tell them, they're gonna have to drag me outta there. Love it...can't think if doing anything else.
Glenn I’m so glad that is your experience. Sadly, it isn’t in many districts across the country.
Mr.Watson Inoticed you have made similar comments on other posts.
BS for teachers like cpr and suicide prevention: how about an oil change too?
This guy is trying to get us to do work based on emotion instead of using logic and rationality...unfortunately, this speaker forgets that people want to work for a good wage and in a safe environment...the educational administratives are aweful....
AI will be the future of teaching…by pure necessity.
… and the other 42% are lying. 😂😂😂
As a mom of three, I disagree that teachers don't have the time to teach curriculum with a political agenda (8:20)
Our culture is rotted. Until the majority of people adjust their moral compass, the disintegration of society will continue. Children should be expected to be truthful, respectful, nonviolent, and do their class work. Unfortunately, their parents often are lacking these qualities themselves. Many schools refuse to expel kids who are violent. Many do not allow teachers to give a failing grade. Time for a major course correction.
Stay away from teaching, specially Special Education. Teaching is by far the most exploitative job you can decide to pursue. Under paid, over worked, aloof administration, summers are not "off" they are unemployed. STAY AWAY.
I can see why no one wants to have this part time job ( teaching) all they do is complain about their job, and their pay, etc..
By the way, teachers get summers off and also weekends...I mean not alot of people have that time off
Uh literally almost every single person I know gets the weekend off. The ones who don't like nurses work weekends get days off during the week and work same number of days. On what planet do most people not get the weekends off. As for summer teachers work 10 months. They get paid for 10 months. They dont get paid for those months off. And every job I've ever had or person I know who has a job gets holidays and anywhere from 2-4 weeks of vacation. And they get paid for 12 months not 10. Your argument is completely based in lies.
@Matt yes I know how it works, my neighbor is a nice teacher lady.
She definitely had the summer off, sure some work but your benefits don't stop in the summer do they?haha
@@M.a.7.7 no thanks man, I'd rather help the teachers. That's why I'm in politics.haha
Teachers are quiting because of low pay, awful student behaviors, rude parents, lack of support from administers, and the district's micromanaging every thing.
@hlub7763 then the only way to fix it is to sacrifice being comfortable le and having it easy for the hard way and work up the ladder to fix the problem or it won't go away and yall will continue to cry for no reason. Always the people nit invovled doing all the crying