New Teacher Facts & Figures

Who are today's new teachers?

• Almost two-thirds are younger than 27-years old.
• More than one quarter are not fully certified.
• Nearly half - 42 percent - have just finished college and have never taught.
• 34 percent are former teachers who are coming back to the profession.
• The majority are single, in debt and struggling.
• Most have technology skills, and know little about unionism.

What discourages new teachers?

• Discipline problems.
• Unending paperwork.
• Unmotivated students.
• Public and student disrespect for teachers and learning.
• Lack of instructional material.
• Late hiring.
• Changes in their teaching assignment.
• Placement in a field outside their certification.
• Lack of familiarity with the types of students they are teaching.
• Low pay.
• Unsafe schools.
• Bureaucratic "red-tape."

What are new teachers concerned about?

• Getting information about the Association.
• Instructional issues.
• Preparation time.
• Unmotivated students.
• Their own evaluations.
• Classroom control, management and discipline.
• Students with special learning challenges.
• Finding resources.
• Involving parents.
• Time management.
• Dealing with physical and emotional stress.

What will help new teachers succeed?

• Administrative support.
• Adequate resources.
• Opportunities for collaboration and cooperative teaching.
• Professional development.
• Peer mentoring.
• Good instructional techniques and management routines.
• Knowledge of what to expect.
• Teacher autonomy.
• Participation in decision making processes.
• Feedback about their performance.
• Emotional support.
• Observing other teachers teach.
• Discussing their teaching with others.
• Handbooks with key information.

(Statistics from "Beginning Now…Resources for Organizers of Beginning Teachers, 1999")