In addition to the statewide voter poll, IEA members responded to a union-commissioned survey in November about topics ranging from working conditions to lawmakers to student mental health.
The survey was conducted online Nov. 8-15 and included responses from around the state. Idaho educators expressed concern about several topics:
- 79 percent are worried about politicians and non-educators making decisions about curriculum and library books
- 71 percent think school funding is inadequate
- 70 percent feel there is a lack of respect for public school educators
However, when asked to choose two top issues, IEA members picked low school employee salaries and student behavioral and discipline issues. Specifically, members said student-on-teacher violence is a growing problem. In fact, 29 percent said they have experienced it within the past year, with 68 percent of those reporting violence one to five times and 32 percent reporting more than five incidences. Politicians making curriculum and book decisions was the third most pressing issue on member’s minds.
Despite these challenges, 70 percent believe their district is doing a good or excellent job educating students and 67 percent are very or somewhat satisfied with their current working conditions. However, 25 percent said their level of frustration and burnout is the highest ever, and 65 percent report they are much more or somewhat more likely to retire or leave education earlier than planned. Members who feel school staff shortages are worsening were 1.5 times more likely to want to leave the profession or retire early.
“IEA commissions this annual survey because our members are the top experts in the education space,” IEA Executive Director Paul Stark said. “No other group of people has a better understanding of the issues, challenges and opportunities Idaho’s public school educators encounter daily. With every answer, members shape IEA’s collective voice and help determine the policy priorities for the union’s lobbying team during the crucial legislative session.”
