Teachers talk

During the December meeting of the Beaumont ISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen shared highlights from the Fall 2023 Upbeat Survey, a service used to “help school districts obtain feedback from all employees to give administrators valuable insight, improve work culture, and retain employees.”

According to BISD, the recent Upbeat Survey had an 80% participation rate, representing 83% of teachers, an upward trend over the spring survey that collected data from 69% of educators. Upward trends were also noted in areas of concern asked of teachers for the survey.

Key takes shared with BISD stakeholders include:

• 78% of teachers shared that their school is a physically safe environment for students. (+16% over previous survey)

• 86% of teachers shared that teachers at their school help each other improve their instructional practice. (+8% over previous survey)

• 82% of teachers shared that they trust their principal. (+7% over previous survey)

• 74% of non-instructional staff shared that the work environment in their schools supports employees’ ongoing professional growth. (+6% over previous survey)

Allen expressed surprise at the teacher response for questions regarding compensation and career path; less than half of respondents were positive – which included feedback that was 48% positive for teachers and 45% positive for staff.

“Forty percent of department staff shared that they are satisfied with the salary they earn as an employee in their department,” BISD shared.