500 Philly teachers talk to NBC about all things education

NBC surveyed 500 educators about paying for classroom supplies, quitting, school violence and more.

NBC reports that the survey was answered by over 500 city teachers, but ultimately the study was sent to 3,000 people who work within Philly schools. The survey had 18 questions, which covered all areas of education. It primarily focused on retention, workplace safety, and personal expenses for classroom supplies. Poll takers also were asked how long they’ve been reaching and what grade levels they teach.

It also showed that, on average, Philly teachers make somewhere between $46,000 and $84,000. NBC shared responses from a couple of questions. 

The full survey is not yet available. It will be released on Tuesday, after 11 p.m. 

Teachers often pay for their own classroom supplies, and this survey showed that some teachers have spent upwards of $600 out of pocket for their classrooms. Forty percent of elementary school teachers pay over $500 in school supplies for students. 34 percent of middle school teachers spend over $500 for supplies, and 30 percent of high school teachers also paid over $500 for supplies. 

Due to a variety of factors, many Philly teachers have thought about leaving the education world behind. Sixty-five percent of elementary school teachers have thought about leaving teaching within the past two years. Over half of middle school teachers (52 percent), to be exact, have considered leaving, and 55 percent of high school teachers have also considered packing in their careers. 

When it comes to the world of education, things aren’t always easy. 

This study also highlighted how teachers feel about violence in school if they believe in arming teachers and more. Teachers were asked if “I believe my school is well protected against potential violence whether it be internal or external,” and 68 percent of elementary school teachers said they do not believe their school is well-protected. Fifty-eight percent of middle school teachers also do not feel protected in their school, and 52 percent of high school teachers also did not feel protected. 

Despite not feeling protected, the one thing most educators agreed on is their view of arming teachers with firearms. Ninety-one percent of elementary school teachers, 96 percent of middle school teachers, and 97 percent of high school teachers do not believe teachers should be armed.