A State of Unfairs: A Case Study Concerning Respect for Teachers in Oklahoma

Abstract

The purpose of this research study is to examine if and how Oklahoma teachers are disrespected within their profession. This study incorporates an online survey and in-depth interviewing to attempt to address the respect/disrespect teacher in Oklahoma might feel and where the lack of respect might be coming from (i.e. students, lawmakers, administrators). These feelings of disrespect, reported by the teachers online and during interviews, are tied into the early years of teaching and analyzed in terms of historical context and potential gender bias. This study concludes with suggestions of how to decrease feelings of disrespect among teachers.