2009 MetLife Survey of the American Teacher: Part 3, Teaching as a Career

The report examines the opinions of teachers and principals in how recent changes in the field of education have altered the teaching profession.

The study analyzes key transformations, including recent economic pressures, the retirement of teachers from the Baby Boom generation, the overhaul of No Child Left Behind and an increased emphasis on teacher quality. According to its findings, Baby Boomers represent 53 percent of all 3.2 million teachers. As these traditionally-trained teachers prepare to retire, teachers from occupations outside of education are increasingly entering the profession. About 77 percent of teachers report that colleagues in their school have entered the profession from other careers. Schools with high proportions of low-income students are more likely to have teachers from outside the profession.

According to the study, the majority of teachers do not believe their views are being considered as the current debate on education intensifies. Sixty-nine percent believe their voices have not been adequately heard. However, 59 percent report that they are very satisfied with teaching as a career.

The report is the third and final part in the 2009 MetLife Survey of the American Teacher: Collaborating for Student Success. Conducted each year since 1984, the MetLife Survey of the American Teacher explores teachers’ opinions and brings them to the attention of the American public and policymakers. The report is based on survey data collected among a national sample of 1,003 public school teachers, 500 principals and 1,018 public school students.

Read the report.