A new random survey of teachers in grades Kindergarten through high school found that two of three missed their classrooms during the summer.
The average teacher in this U.S. poll said they think about the upcoming school year eight times during summer break, with 45% sharing that it comes to mind even more often.
More than a quarter are still in “education mode” during the summer, saying that part of their break will be dedicated to planning and decorating their classroom for next year (27%).
But teachers are still making the most of their time off by spending time with family and loved ones (60%), relaxing at home (50%) and traveling (38%) this summer.
It’s not just teachers. Parents were also contacted in this survey by OnePoll and 58% percent of said they were looking forward to the 2023-2024 school year and 66% are anticipating it’ll be better than last year.
The poll commissioned by Office Depot also examined parents’ and teachers’ thoughts on how this past school year went, finding that a whopping 70% of all respondents said they or their family’s experience was positive overall.
Parents said the 2022-2023 school year was a success because their child received good grades (46%), learned skills that will help them outside of the classroom (34%) and became more social (30%).
Teachers credit the success of the post-pandemic school year to being able to inspire their students (41%), teach in person (37%) and get creative with their teaching methods (36%).
Almost half of teachers agreed that they ‘can’t wait to help a new set of students learn and grow’—and 39% are excited to ‘find new and creative ways to teach material’.
But the double-opt-in poll also found that teachers plan to spend about $320 of their own money to set up their classrooms for the upcoming school year.
“It’s important to support teachers and set them up for success by offering them the creative solutions they need to help their students learn and grow,” said Kevin Moffitt, president of Office Depot.
Popular websites like DonorsChoose.org allow you to send donations to fund teacher projects and supplies. You can also search the 25-year-old Adopt a Classroom website for teachers in your area—and every penny of your donation goes straight to classrooms without any fees taken out.
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