CBE survey finds teachers have low confidence in leaders
Results of a Calgary Board of Education employee engagement survey now being circulated among teachers and principals show a troubling lack of satisfaction in senior leadership, with as little as 30 per cent of those surveyed being confident that appropriate action will be taken to resolve issues.
CBE officials admit staff perception is critical, and have started meetings with employees in every school and service unit this month asking how leadership can be improved.
But teachers and parents continue to be frustrated, with only 47 per cent of those surveyed feeling senior leaders consistently demonstrate CBE values through their behaviour and actions, only 41 per cent saying leaders make them feel positive about the future, and as little as 37 per cent saying senior leaders are appropriately visible and accessible to employees.
“The hardest job at a school is being on the front lines and seeing the needs of children not being met because of a lack of resources,” said Sarah Bieber, a former high school resource teacher who is now a member of the Kids Come First parent advocacy group.
“Teachers just want to help students, but they feel like their voices are not being heard.”
Bieber says that with an increasing number of kids facing learning disabilities, teachers are not getting the learning assessments their students need to create individual learning plans.
Also in the survey, only 46 per cent of staff said senior leaders provide clear direction for the future, only 44 per cent said senior leaders are open and honest in communication, and as little as 39 per cent felt senior leaders treat employees as CBE’s most valued asset.
With overall results between 20 to 27 per cent below the national average on similar concerns, the results offer a deeper insight into what was initially minimal data released by the CBE last fall. Last October, officials released results from the same survey that showed only that 58 per cent of staff felt “engaged, motivated and committed to the success of students.”
Greg Francis, CBE superintendent of human resources, admitted staff perception is an area where the system is looking for ways to improve.
“This month, conversations are taking place in every school and service unit about the survey results. The questions we are asking our staff include: ‘Are you surprised by the results in this particular area?’ And perhaps more importantly: ‘When you took the survey, and when you hear the term senior leadership, what or who comes to mind?’”
One teacher, who did not want his name used for fear of being reprimanded, said he was offended by the last question, saying that senior leaders are clearly superintendents, directors and managers.
“But principals would never be included in that. Teachers have great relationships with their principals, and they all face the same challenges.”
Francis added that later this year the CBE will “identify actions” to improve employee engagement.
But Cherelle Payne. who chairs the parent council at Capt. Nichola Goddard middle school, said teachers are feeling unsupported and without the proper training to deal with their classroom’s complex needs.
“Teachers don’t feel supported by their administration, they’re not getting the resources or the evaluations they need to help their students.”
Payne recalled a recent incident concerning an autistic student in Grade 4 who would sometimes walk out of the school during class time because of anxiety. But once his teacher was given better training to recognize specific cues for stress, the problem was resolved.