2013 Completer Survey

The results of the survey will help to identify what is best about our programs and how the TLC programs and delivery of services can be improved for our program participants. Additionally, the state and federal governments have asked us to gather specific data from our program completers. You input is needed and greatly appreciated.

The survey asks a variety of questions about program content and delivery of services. There are 95 questions, but some of them you may skip if they do not pertain to you.

TLC has arranged for you to receive a gift. To qualify for the gift, you must complete the survey and provide your name in the beginning. Please note that your responses will not be identified with you personally. If you have any questions or concerns about completing the survey, you may contact the Teaching and Leadership Center at 954-236-1327.

Your participation is greatly appreciated and sincerely needed to improve our services to current and prospective teachers to Broward County.

Thank you once again for your help.
Name (optional): 


A red asterisk (*) indicates required questions.

  1. What TLC Program did you complete?*
    IMPACT
    ACE (skip to question 21)


  1. I prefer to participate in IMPACT courses on the following schedule:


    Complete one course from 9:00am-3:00pm on four non consecutive Saturdays.
    Complete one course in a combination format of weekday evenings and on Saturdays completed in three weeks.
    Complete one course in four weeks during weekday evenings that would meet twice per week.
    Complete all courses on-line at my own time.
    Complete the courses by live on-line method. This means you meet at specific times but via computer.
    If none of the above, please indicate in the next question a preferred schedule.


  1. If you marked the last choice, none of the above, please indicate a preferred schedule:


  1. IMPACT components provided me with the necessary knowledge to pass the FTCE Professional Examination.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. Signing up for the BVU reading course was easy for me.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. Completing the BVU reading course was easy for me.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. If you completed a field experience, please continue. If not, please skip to question 15.


  1. My cooperating teacher was enthusiastic about me completing a field experience in his/her classroom.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. My cooperating teacher was receptive to my needs as a prospective teacher.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. My cooperating teacher provided a classroom environment conducive for the field experience placement.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. My cooperating teacher provided opportunity for me to observe effective teaching practices.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. I had sufficient opportunity to practice new concepts and skills with the support of my cooperating teacher.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. I am more likely to teach with confidence now than I was before completing the field experience.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. What did you gain as a result of participating in the field experience?




  1. If you attended a TLC FTCE test preparation course (General Knowledge and/or Subject Area test prep) please complete this section. If not, please skip to question 18.


  1. The test preparation course for the General Knowledge Examination provided me with the necessary knowledge to pass the examination.
      1 2 3 4 5     Not applicable
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree  


  1. The test preparation course for the Subject Area Examination provided me with the necessary knowledge to pass the examination.
      1 2 3 4 5     Not applicable
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree  


  1. Overall, the TLC certification program was beneficial to me.
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. Which IMPACT component delivered in the TLC Program has been beneficial to your needs as a teacher? Please explain.


  1. As a result of completing IMPACT components:
    I have enrolled in a graduate program at NSU.
    I plan to enroll in a graduate program at NSU.
    I would only consider NSU when I enroll in a graduate program.
    I would consider NSU along with other universities if I enroll in a graduate program.
    I would not consider enrolling in a graduate program at NSU.


  1. The TLC certification program (cost-free, course enrollment and guidance) assisted me in remaining as a teacher in Broward County.

    *
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. What do you think was most positive about the program as a whole? Please explain.

    *


  1. What aspect(s) of the program do you think needs improvement? Please explain.

    *


  1. Staff was courteous and helpful.

    *
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. Staff responded to questions in a timely manner.

    *
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. Staff responded with accurate information regarding inquiries.

    *
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. Staff was professional.

    *
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. The TLC website was informative and helpful.

    *
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. Please include any suggestions for improving the website.


  1. I am satisfied with the frequency of communication I receive from the TLC.

    *
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. The overall quality of support has been excellent.

    *
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. I would recommend a TLC program to others needing alternative certification.

    *
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. What specific suggestion would increase your level of satisfaction with the Teaching and Leadership Center’s support services?

    *


  1. As a beginning teacher I was provided a New Educator Support System (NESS) Instructional Coach from my school:

    *
    Prior to the beginning of school
    During the pre-planning week
    During the first month of employment
    During the first three months of employment
    During the first four months or more after employment
    Never provided a NESS coach (skip to question 55)
    N/A in a charter school (skip to question 55)


  1. My NESS instructional coach observed me teaching and offered feedback after the observation.
    Weekly
    Monthly
    Once per semester
    Seldom
    Never


  1. My NESS Instructional Coach (teacher coach at school) held regularly scheduled conferences with me.
    Weekly
    Monthly
    Once per semester
    Seldom
    Never


  1. My NESS Instructional Coach (teacher coach at school) demonstrated lessons in the classroom.


    Weekly
    Monthly
    Once per semester
    Seldom
    Never


  1. My NESS Instructional Coach was knowledgeable.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. My NESS Instructional Coach taught the same grade level or same subject area as I teach.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. The support I received from my NESS Instructional Coach was excellent.

      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. How important has your NESS coach been in helping you develop as a teacher?
    Highly important
    Important
    Somewhat important
    Not very important


  1. How often do you meet formally with other new teachers?
    Never
    Rarely
    Sometimes
    Frequently


  1. How would you rate the NESS program?
    Highly effective
    Effective
    Not very effective
    Ineffective


  1. As a TLC participant I was provided a Retired Teacher Coach (the coach that came to visit your school):

    *
    Audrey Dunn
    Bill Brassard
    Carol Newman
    Joan Banashak
    Jo Combs
    Elayne Brown
    Joyce Beck


  1. I met with my Retired Teacher Coach:


    Weekly
    Monthly
    Once per semester
    Seldom
    Never


  1. The Retired Teacher Coach demonstrated lessons in the classroom.
    Weekly
    Monthly
    Once per semester
    Seldom
    Never


  1. The Retired Teacher Coach was knowledgeable in my subject area.
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. The support I received from my Retired Teacher Coach was excellent.


      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. As a beginning teacher I felt supported by my school’s administration.

    *
      1 2 3 4 5  
    Strongly agree   Strongly disagree


  1. How many times have you been formally observed in the classroom?*
    Never
    1-2 times
    3-5 times
    More than five times


  1. How often does your principal/assistant principal provide you with feedback about your teaching?*
    Never
    Rarely
    Sometimes
    Frequently


  1. Has your principal/assistant principal helped you understand the overall mission and vision of your school?*
    Yes
    No
    Somewhat


  1. Has your principal/assistant principal helped you become a valued member of the school community?*
    Yes
    No
    Somewhat


  1. What are the areas of concern you had a as a new teacher? Please explain your thoughts.

    *


  1. Select the one aspect of your work environment that most affects your decision to remain as a teacher:

    *
    Salary and benefits including health and retirement
    Vacation time (Summer and holidays)
    Enjoy working with students to make a positive impact in their lives
    Giving back to the community
    Teaching affords the ability to focus on my family and/or personal interests
    Job security
    Collegiality and collaboration with colleagues
    Professional development opportunities offered through the District
    Not applicable (not teaching)
    Other (please identify in next question):


  1. If you chose "other" in the preceding question, please answer what aspect of your work environment affects your decision to remain as a teacher:




  1. Select the one aspect of your work environment that most affects your decision to remain at your school:

    *
    Principal and leadership team
    Location of school in proximity of my home
    Collegial atmosphere
    Professional development opportunities available at my school site
    School facilities and resources
    Student population
    Autonomy in the classroom
    Not applicable (not teaching)
    Other (please identify in next question):


  1. If you answered "other" in preceding question please identify the aspect of your work environment that most affects your decision to remain at your school:




  1. If you are currently teaching estimate how long you plan to remain in teaching. Please choose two answers, one being a span of years and the other being an event.

    *
    20-30 years
    10-20 years
    5-10 years
    3-5 years
    1-3 years
    As long as I am able
    Until I am eligible for retirement benefits
    Until I am eligible for social security benefits
    Until a specific life event occurs (e.g., parenthood, marriage)
    Until a more desirable job opportunity comes along
    Definitely plan to leave as soon as I can
    Undecided at this time
    Not applicable (not teaching)


  1. What is your employment status for next year?*
    Contract signed
    Contract expected
    Teaching in another district
    Teaching in another state
    Unsure
    Leaving teaching
    Not hired


  1. If you are leaving or have left teaching, please indicate your reasons for doing so. Check all that apply.
    Low salary
    Lack of administrative support
    Required duties were too demanding
    Student behavior
    Dissatisfied with teaching as a career
    To take courses to improve career opportunities within the field of education
    Did not feel prepared to teach
    Pregnacy or child rearing
    Promotion within education
    Other


  1. If you answered "other" in the question above, please explain why you left or plan to leave the teaching profession.




  1. Are you teaching in the same school you were teaching during the previous school year?*
    Yes
    No


  1. If you answered "no" above, why did you change schools?
    Lack of administrative support
    Lack of parental support
    Student behavior
    Negative atmosphere among the teachers
    School policies regarding discipline and/or curriculum
    Location
    Was offered a job in a different assignment/grade level
    Was surplussed


  1. What was your age upon entry into one of the TLC programs?*


  1. What is your current age:

    *


  1. Please select your gender.*
    Male
    Female


  1. Please identify your race:*
    American Indian or Alaskan Native
    Asian
    Black or African American
    Hispanic/Latino
    Multi-racial
    Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
    White


  1. What is the highest academic degree you have earned:

    *
    Bachelors
    Masters
    Doctorate
    Law degree
    Medical degree
    Other


  1. What was your main activity prior to becoming a teacher?*
    Business
    Engineer
    Health-field worker
    Human resources
    K-12 school staff
    Legal profession
    Math-related field
    Military service
    Non-profit/community-based occupation
    Production or repair occupation
    Retired/unemployed
    Science-related field
    Service occupation
    Social worker
    Technician or research assistant
    Technology sector occupation
    Homemaker
    Student
    Other (please specify in next question)


  1. If you checked "other" in the question above, please write in your occupation before becoming a teacher.


  1. What was your average annual salary earned prior to becoming a teacher:

    *
    Less than $25,000
    $26,000 - $35,000
    $36,000 - $45,000
    $46,000 - $55,000
    $56,000 - $65,000
    $66,000 - $75,000
    $76,000 - $85,000
    $86,000 - $95,000
    more than $96,000


  1. Please identify the answer that best describes your teaching experience:*
    0-1 year
    2-3 years
    more than 3


  1. What grade level do you teach?*
    K-5
    6-8
    9-12


  1. What is your main teaching assignment (e.g., elementary, math, science, social studies, etc.)?*
    elementary
    middle grades integrated
    mathematics
    science
    English
    world language
    social science
    art
    music
    exceptional student education
    reading
    other, please specify below


  1. If other, please specify


  1. When seeking a teaching position, how many different positions did you apply for?*
    I only applied for one position
    I applied for two positions
    I applied for three or more positions


  1. Which of the following factors was important to choosing your teaching position? Check all that apply.*
    When the contract was offered
    The salary amount offered
    Benefits offered
    Where the school is located
    Your teaching assignment, including the grade level and subject(s) you would teach
    The school's reputation as being a "safe" place to work
    Overall levels of student achievement in the school
    The types of students served by the school
    Opportunities to lead extracurriucular activities, such as sports, music, drama, or other academic clubs
    School administration and leadership
    The people you met on your job interview
    It was the only job offer


  1. Which of the following sources of information did you use when searching for your teaching position? Check all that apply.*
    District job fair
    Great Florida Teach-In
    Job listings on the DOE website
    Job listings on the district website
    School or district administrators
    Faculty or staff in your TLC program
    Word-of-mouth from family and friends


  1. How much are teachers involved in making important educational decisions in your school?*
    Teachers are rarely involved in making important decisions.
    Teachers are involved in a few important decisions.
    Teachers are involved in some important decisions.
    Teachers are invloved in most important decisions.
    I am not sure.


  1. How often do the teachers in your school give each other feedback about teaching?*
    Never
    Rarely
    Sometimes
    Frequently


  1. How often so the teachers in your school work together to respond to student needs?*
    Never
    Rarely
    Sometimes
    Frequently


  1. How often is time scheduled at your school to work collaboratively (e.g., team meetings, learning communities, lesson study, etc.)?*
    Never
    Only on staff development/teacher planning days
    Once a month
    Bi-weekly
    Once a week


  1. Do the policies at your school contribute to or interfere with your ablility to teach effectively?*
    Interfere a lot
    Interfere a little
    Contribute a little
    Contribute a lot
    I do not know


  1. How well are you able to control disruptive behavior in the classroom?*
    Not at all
    Not very well
    Fairly well
    Very well


  1. How well are you able to motivate students who show low interest in school work?*
    Not at all
    Not very well
    Fairly well
    Very well


  1. How well are you able to get children to follow classroom rules?*
    Not at all
    Not very well
    Fairly well
    Very well


  1. How well are you able to provide appropriate challenges for very capable students?*
    Not at all
    Not very well
    Fairly well
    Very well


  1. Overall, how effective do you feel as a teacher?*
    Highly effective
    Effective
    Not very effective
    Ineffective


  1. How well are you able to engage your students in the classroom learning?*
    Not at all
    Not very well
    Fairly well
    Very well


  1. Did you know about the Alternative Certification option before you began teaching?*
    Yes
    No


  1. If yes, did knowing about the District's Alternative Certification Program have an influence on your decision to teach?
    Yes
    No


  1. How effective was your TLC Program in preparing you to do the following?

            1 2 3 4      
      Identify strategies that expand students' critical thinking. Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Plan activities that require students to gather information and solve problems Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Incorporate activities that promote positive communication among students Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Provide opportunities for students to receive constructive feedback on individual work and behavior Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Use relevant materials and technologies to promote student learning Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Apply learning theories and knowledge of human development to first and second language acquisition processes Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Plan lessons with specific learning and performance outcomes that are based on the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and that meet the needs of all students Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Collaborate with other educators when planning lessons Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Develop technology enriched learning activities that meet the diverse needs of students Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Reflect on practice and modify instruction as needed Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Recognize and identify developmental differences among students Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Incorporate reading strategies in instructional planning in various subject areas Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Establish classroom routines and procedures that promote a positive and safe learning environment Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Employ a variety of assessment strategies to determine students' performance of specified outcomes such as Next Generation Sunshine State Standards Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Maintain academic focus for all students through the use of various techniques that address differences in learning styles Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Use a variety of teaching techniques and strategies to effectively instruct all students, including students with diverse learning needs Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Use instructional time effectively Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Modify instruction based upon assessed student performance Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Use technology in instructional delivery to enrich student learning experiences Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Use resources outside the classroom to enrich student learning experiences Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Demonstrate how knowledge can be applied to real-world settings Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Use assessment data to improve student achievement Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Use questions and activities that engage students in higher order thinking Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Use a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to engage and motivate students Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Demonstrate an understanding of how the subject is linked to other disciplines Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Use results from individual reading assessments to improve student academic performance Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Recognize signs of students' difficulty with reading and use appropriate techniques to improve student's reading Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Prepare students for taking standarized tests by using aggregated data to create and assess instructions that focuses on improving student achievement Highly Effective Ineffective  
      Monitor students performance on core benchmarks throughout the year Highly Effective Ineffective  


  1. How well did your TLC program prepare you to do the following?

            1 2 3 4      
      Use technology tools to manage and evaluate student data Highly effective Ineffective  
      Make reasonable efforts to protect students from harmful conditions that interfere with their learning Highly effective Ineffective  
      Adhere to ethical standards expected of an educator in the classroom and in the school community Highly effective Ineffective  
      Adhere to the Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida Highly effective Ineffective  
      Treat students equitably by fostering acceptance of diversity in the classroom Highly effective Ineffective  
      Communicate effectively with families and students from culturally diverse backgrounds Highly effective Ineffective  
      Adapt communication style based on the needs of individuals and groups Highly effective Ineffective  
      Access relevant educational research Highly effective Ineffective  
      Implement strategies acquired through professional growth opportunities Highly effective Ineffective  
      Provide meaningful feedback regarding student performance to families Highly effective Ineffective  
      Work with colleagues to improve students' educational experiences Highly effective Ineffective  
      Demonstrate knowledge of research-based, developmentally appropriate reading strategies Highly effective Ineffective  


  1. Thank you for completing this survey. To show our appreciation, we would like you to receive a gift. We will pony the gift to your school.
    * If you agree to these terms, provide your first and last name at the beginning of this survey.
    * Indicate your school location in this answer.
    * Indicate if you would like either a flashdrive pen or a Thermos for keeping drinks cold up to 15 hours in this answer, also.
    Questions? Call Jan at 954-236-1319.