Education Policy

Spot Survey: Most Teachers Want Masking Up on Campus This Year

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 08/24/21

An open online poll recently found that two-thirds of teachers want to see their students masked up this fall. The unscientific survey was run by EdHelper, an online subscription service that produces printable worksheets for teachers and homeschooling parents.

According to the company, some 2,000 teachers responded to the questions. The goal was to collect data about educator opinions on student masking, their intentions regarding teaching and how much they typically spent from their own pockets on supplies and resources each year.

Sixty-six percent of respondents said they would prefer to see students wear masks while on campus.

The survey also found that more than one in five teachers (22%) considered changing careers over the last year. However, a majority (68%) said they expected to return to the classroom for the current school year.

Regarding future plans, almost 60% reported that they would stay in teaching for at least another five years. Nearly a quarter said they'd stick around for two to four years. Seven percent said they'd last another year after the current one. And the same share said that this year would be their last.

A slight majority of participants (52%) indicated that they usually spend more than $300 of personal funds on school supplies and resources. Another 37% reported spending between $100 and $299. And 11% said they spend less than $100 each year.

"Educators across the nation and around the globe appear ready to welcome their students back to campus," the company reported in a press release. "While they may vary in opinions on masks, a desire to continue in education, and the amount of personal funds spent, the data does not lie. Teachers are deeply committed to their students and their students' success! The vast majority are willing to rise to whatever challenges they may face this year."