Michigan teachers say disrespect is at the root of the teacher shortage. State Rep. Darrin Camilleri and 13 other Democratic state representatives have responded with “Respecting Educators,” a package of 18 bills.
The legislation would offset student loan debt for educators, remove student test scores as criteria for evaluating teachers and create a paraprofessional-to-teacher pathway.
The legislation also would reduce class sizes, reimburse educators for out-of-pocket classroom supplies and increase healthcare benefits.
“As a former classroom teacher, I know firsthand of the challenges that educators experience on a daily basis. With the more recent attacks on both teachers and public education overall, the protections and incentives included in this bill package are needed now more than ever,” Camilleri said.
The legislation is meeting great pushback.
“Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues have held up these bills in committee without so much as a hearing to discuss the benefits each would provide,” Camilleri said. He urges Michigan citizens to contact their legislators and voice their support.
The legislation comes in the wake of the teacher shortage, which has existed for 10 years, but has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. One in three teachers in the U.S. have said COVID-19 has made them more likely to resign or retire early, according to the National Education Association.
Shortage squeezes teachers, stresses students
Woodhaven High School Spanish teacher Caryn Alderman substituted on her preparatory period numerous times during the 2020-2021 school year. She called the experience a nightmare.
Alderman had to stay late at work and grade assignments at home since she didn’t have time during the school day. “I was completely and utterly exhausted. My family life suffered,” she said.
This year, Alderman promised herself she would not substitute unless absolutely necessary, like when no other teachers are available. “I’d much rather have my prep period and be able to get ready and prepare for my classes than be paid extra,” Alderman said.
Because there are not enough substitutes, teachers often have to teach in their preparatory periods, when they should be grading papers or creating lesson plans. Contracts ensure they are compensated for every class where they substitute.
East Lansing teachers are paid $75 per every class they substitute teach, while Woodhaven teachers are paid $36.
Woodhaven High School social studies teacher Andrew Lambert also has been torn by the substitute shortage. He said he feels guilty for taking a day off to stay home with his sick son knowing his colleagues would have to teach his class.
“For a lot of us, that one hour throughout the day–that is designated to do the work it takes to run a class–is taken away,” Lambert said.
Woodhaven High School senior Olivia Byrd said her teacher, David Dobruk, has to teach during his prep period every day because another teacher is on maternity leave.
Byrd said the teacher and substitute shortage has affected her learning experience. “They [teachers] seem to rush things and their stress is easily picked up by the students.”
Low respect, low pay chase people away
Lambert said he believes the substitute and teacher shortage is due to society’s negative view of teaching, but finds the community perspective is still positive.
“Nationally, the conversation around education is toxic, but locally, it’s overwhelming how strong my relationships are with students, parents and the community,” Lambert said.
Michigan Board of Education Vice President Pamela Pugh agrees that society has changed its view of teaching. “Teachers were once people we looked up to. Now, we question their worth,” Pugh said.
Pugh also said teachers feel as if their voices are not heard, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Unfortunately, teachers know they’re in a profession where people will go everywhere but them to make policies regarding the classroom,” Pugh said.
East Lansing School District Superintendent Dori Leyko said teachers don’t think four years of college and one year of student teaching is worth the pay. “You can get a higher paying job doing other things.”
Leyko said the East Lansing School District is in constant communication with Michigan State University to find new teachers from its College of Education.
MSU College of Education adviser Michael Haslett said fewer students are selecting education as an interest when applying to MSU than in years past.
The College of Education removed some admission barriers, such as an essay and baseline test scores on the SAT or ACT to encourage more students to pursue teaching.
“Districts reach out to us regularly in hopes of finding an available teacher. Our placements rates are so high that oftentimes we do not have someone available for the job,” Haslett said.
Camilleri said he hopes that if the “Respecting Educators” legislation is passed, it will restore “the luster of Michigan’s public education system” and bring respect back to educators.