How Much Influence Do Teachers Have in Their Schools? It Depends on Whom You Ask

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Johnston, William R.

Contributor:

Akinniranye, Goke

Doss, Christopher Joseph

Language:

English

Other Title:

How Much Influence Do Teachers Have in Their Schools? It Depends on Whom You Ask

Place of Publication:

Santa Monica, Calif. RAND Corporation 2020

Summary:

A growing body of research suggests that school management models emphasizing teacher influence in school governance have a range of benefits, including increased teacher job satisfaction, improved academic performance, and more-effective organizational learning. However, nationwide data from the American Educator Panels show that principals are significantly more likely to perceive that teachers have influence in their schools than teachers. More principals than teachers feel that teachers are involved in making important school decisions. Almost all principals agree or strongly agree with the statement that teachers have a lot of informal opportunity to influence what happens at their school — a much higher rate than for teachers. In addition, almost a third of teachers feel uncomfortable voicing concerns. These perception gaps between teachers and principals signal a disconnect that may foster professional stagnation and frustration.