There is an inextricable link between the quality of schools, neighborhoods and housing. It’s nearly impossible to have one of these factors performing well if the others are not. This strong correlation is not just important to homebuyers with children, but for the economic future of Wisconsin and the overall quality of life for Wisconsinites. This is why REALTORS^® have always cared about the quality and performance of neighborhood schools. ]

But the state of education in the Badger state has been the subject of much debate over the past several years, even more than usual but not more than deserved. Annual local debates over funding levels as well as taxes and teacher contracts have expanded into statewide debates over educational reforms that demand better performance and greater accountability for students, teachers, administrators and whole districts. These larger debates have made school reform a contentious and emotional topic for education professionals, parents and politicians at all levels. Add to this the significant changes imposed by Act 10 that all but eliminated teacher collective bargaining and changed the political power proposition of the influential state teacher’s union, and you have an education system sitting at a historic crossroad.

So what do Wisconsin teachers think of all this? It’s interesting that not many people outside the education profession know the answer to this important question — until now. A recent survey of teachers in Wisconsin by Wood Communications Group gives voice to those who teach our children, and the findings are both fascinating and instructive. 

Teachers clearly understand that these are turbulent times, with 85 percent saying the world of education is changing. But while many find themselves in the middle of trying to address those changes, teachers feel very misunderstood and under-appreciated — so much so that nearly a third of those surveyed say they would not choose teaching as a profession if they had to do it all over again. 

On the flip side, two-thirds of teachers say if they had to do it all over again, they would “absolutely” or “almost positively” go into teaching again. When asked how they start their teaching day, majorities describe themselves as “inspired,” “happy” or “well-prepared.” 

While the public debate over education often centers on school funding and teacher contract issues, most teachers don’t list money as their top issue. While adequate funding is certainly important, nearly six of every 10 teachers say they either are close to, or have enough money, to get the job done. More of them rank additional planning time (75 percent), more collaboration with colleagues (55 percent), more respect (49 percent), and less paperwork (46 percent) above more money (44 percent) as things they need to do a better job. 

Perhaps most importantly, teachers in the survey said they would like more interaction between schools and the business community (85 percent). What exactly that means, the survey doesn’t say. Yet the desire for more business-education collaboration is important and unexpected. 

In response, the WRA was one of the first business organizations to indicate our willingness to have those conversations and that interaction with teachers across the state. We have joined Wood Communications and other business, government and philanthropic organizations to start organizing conversations with educators on a regional and local level around Wisconsin. And I expect the number of interested parties to grow. I don’t know of a single member of the business community who doesn’t understand the importance of educating Wisconsin’s young people — not just for our children and our economy — but also for our neighborhoods and our quality of life. And yes, for the health and well being of our real estate and housing markets as well.

The WRA’s strategic plan calls for us to take a more proactive role in improving the overall economy in Wisconsin, as well as identifying ways to highlight REALTORS^®’ commitment to their communities. I can’t think of a better way to do both than to engage in direct conversations with our local teachers on how we can help improve education in Wisconsin. Stay tuned for more. That banging sound you’re hearing is opportunity knocking.