Statement by Reg Weaver, President
National Education Association
on the
MetLife Survey of the American Teacher 2003

The MetLife Survey of the American Teacher 2003 ( PDF, 131 pages, 565K) shines a spotlight on the disconnect that too often exists between the perceptions of teachers and principals on school leadership.

While principals believe they are guiding, motivating and interacting frequently with teachers, the perception of teachers is just the opposite. Likewise, the survey highlights a gap between school leaders and their school’s students and parents in the quality and frequency of their relationships. MetLife’s survey is a reality check to principals that their best efforts to motivate teachers and students and listen to all school staff, students and parents are falling short.

Teachers are being stretched to the limit. Increasingly their role encompasses not only teaching specific content and mentoring students in the love of learning, but functioning as frontline social workers. In this climate, a principal’s ability to create a positive school culture is linked directly to shared leadership. By treating teachers in ways that empower them, such as involving them in decisions about policies and practices and acknowledging their expertise, administrators can help sustain a healthy school environment.

Every ship has a crew, but there is only one captain. While teachers are the stewards of their classrooms, they must also be nurtured, supported and valued by their school leaders—and the broader school community. When teachers are provided with what they need to remain inspired and enthusiastic, students as well as teachers will be the beneficiaries.

February 5, 2004

For more information, contact:

Melinda Anderson (202) 822-7230   manderson@nea.org
Kathleen Lyons (202) 822-7213   klyons@nea.org

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.