COVID-19 Insights from the 2020 Tennessee Educator Survey

Key Findings

• Student Access: More than half of teachers identified access to remote learning or access to crucial services, like meals and counseling, as among their biggest concerns about students amid school closures.
• Technological needs: More than three-quarters of teachers selected technological supports for remote learning (e.g., internet access and reliable devices) as the most helpful supports needed to promote educational access, and educators discussed the need for these supports to address educational inequities.
• Guidance and Resources for Remote Learning: Schools and districts were identified as important sources of guidance for teachers in planning remote learning. Teachers described additional instructional needs, such as teacher training on virtual learning and guidance for supporting special education students and English learners.
• Student Engagement: More than two-thirds of teachers reported regularly sending electronic learning resources to promote remote learning, while less than one-quarter reported regularly planning virtual classes. This engagement varied across different types of districts.