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FMF Participant Survey Results
Background and Rationale for the Surveys While
politicians and administrators often state their strong support for education
and professional development for educators, anecdotal data suggested a contrary
view.
Further, a few teachers who accepted the FMF award indicated that they
placed themselves at considerable financial risk.
Some teachers stated, off the record, that they were in danger of losing
their jobs if they accepted the award.
Thus, the surveys were undertaken to gain a more in-depth understanding
of the level of support received by educators to travel to Japan for the
month-long FMF award. A study by Linda Herbert of school district budgets
in the United States showed that less than 2% was earmarked
for professional development - And, little more than one percent of district
budgets provided for sabbaticals. She further stated, in part, that
"Teachers have few high-quality opportunities during their career to
strengthen and enhance their knowledge and Results of the 1999 Survey The survey was sent to the 600 FMF participants by their Email address of record. There were 175 respondents. Ninety-five percent said their school or school district supported their participation in the FMF Program. Sixty-four percent were applauded by their supervisors and colleagues for winning the FMF Teacher Program award. Nearly two-thirds of the respondents were provided with paid leave to participate in the FMF study tour in Japan. Slightly over one-third of those surveyed stated that their colleagues pitched in to help carry the workload during their absence. Only a very small percentage of the respondents had to use unpaid leave to participate on the study tour in Japan. An even smaller number said that they placed their jobs in jeopardy by accepting the award. A significant number stated that their colleagues, PTSA, school, or school district provided them with extra resources for the FMF study tour in Japan. A majority the 1999 respondents said that educators, in their districts, are encouraged to apply and participate in studies and fellowships such as the FMF Teacher Program. Slightly more than one-third said that their school systems provided sabbaticals for educators. An overwhelming majority or 97 percent of those surveyed said they would encourage other educators in their school system or building to apply for the FMF Teacher Program. Seventy-nine percent of respondents were classroom teachers. The others were in administrative positions. A slight majority or 54 percent had been in their respective school district more than ten years. Twenty-one percent had been in their district between 6-10 years. Approximately 59 percent had been with their present school between two and ten years. Results of the 2000 Survey Of the 600 FMF participants surveyed, 215 responded. Slightly over 80% were teachers. Two percent were first year teachers. Those remaining were from administrative positions. Twenty-three percent had been in the profession between 2-5 years. Twenty-six percent had taught between 6-10 years, while the majority (49%) had been in the system for more than 10 years. Nearly 70% said that their supervisor knew about the FMF Teacher Program, and 55% said they were encouraged to apply. About 80% said that they were applauded by their school administration and their colleagues for winning the FMF award. Sixty-six percent said they were given paid leave for the fellowship, while 10% had to use unpaid leave to make the trip. A few (2%) said that they placed their jobs in jeopardy by accepting the award and going to Japan. Thirty-six percent said their colleagues pitched in to help cover for them during their absence. Slightly less than 20% said they were provided with extra resources to make the trip by their school administration and their colleagues. More than a third of the respondents said their district provides sabbaticals for staff development. One hundred percent said they would encourage others to apply for the FMF Teacher Program. Summary While most FMF awardees were encouraged and supported by their respective school districts and supervisors to accept the FMF fellowship, a number reported they had extreme difficulty accepting the fellowship and traveling to Japan. A few had to use unpaid leave for the time they were in Japan. Still others had to pay, out-of-pocket, for substitute teachers to cover their classes. It was disturbing to find that some said they even placed their jobs in jeopardy by accepting the award.
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