What Attracts Minority Teachers to a Position in a Community?

You are being asked to participate in a study to determine what attracts minority teachers or teaching candidates to a position in a community. This survey should take approximately ten minutes to complete. This study is being completed under the direction of Terri Deems, Professor at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. Responses will be tracked for participation purposes, however results will be reported in aggregate only – no identifiers of any sort will link you to your responses. All responses will be held in strictest confidence. The data will be kept in a locked file cabinet on secured premises with access limited to the researcher only. The risks of participating in this study are minimal. This study should provide important information for understanding what attracts minority teachers to a position in communities. Participation is voluntary. There will be no consequences to you if you decide not to participate. If you decide to participate you will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time with no consequences to you. Completing and turning in this survey will indicate that you have read and understood the conditions under which this study is taking place, that you are aware of your rights and privileges. Thank you for your willingness to participate in this survey.


  1. Please briefly describe the most important reason you would choose a particular position.


  1. Please indicate which of the following groups with whom you most closely identify.
    African American
    American Indian
    Asian
    Hispanic
    Middle Easter
    Other


  1. Rank the following items that influence your decision on agreeing to a teaching position in a community from most important to least important. with number 1 being the most important.
        1 2 3 4 5 6
    wages/benefits  
    georgraphic location  
    minority population density  
    organization philosophy  
    organization support for employees  
    other (please describe in later questions)  


  1. Please briefly describe the most important reason you would choose a community to work in.


  1. Rank the following reasons you would choose a community from most important to least important with number 1 being most important
        1 2 3 4 5 6 7
    recreational amenities  
    affordable housing  
    educational opportunities  
    minority population  
    school district reputation  
    size of the community  
    other (please describe later)  


  1. Rank the following reasons you would choose a position from most important to least important with number 1 being the most important.
        1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
    competitive wages and benefits  
    mentoring and induction programs  
    community connections to similar minority groups  
    opportunities for spouse or partner  
    assistance with relocation  
    assistance for additional education  
    assistance with housing acquisition  
    other (please describe later)  


  1. Are you willing to relocate to a position outside your current community?
    Yes
    No


  1. Please briefly describe the most imortant issue that influences your decision to consider a particular teaching position.


  1. Are you currently teaching in a school district in the Midwest?
    Yes
    No


  1. Are you currently licensed to teach elementary or high school in a state?
    Yes
    No


  1. What size of a community would you most want to work in?
    Rural -=population under 5000
    Town- population 5000- 20,000
    Small Urban- population 20,000 - 100,000
    Urban - population 100,000 - 500,000
    Large Urban - population 500,000 or more


  1. Have you completed or are you currently enrolled in a teaching preparation program?
    Yes
    No


  1. What is the highest level of your education?
    Associates Degree
    Bachelor Degree
    Masters Degree
    Doctorate





Janet Reiners