APPENDIX C

TEACHER SURVEY

1. Teacher Letter 

2. Teacher Questionnaire
TEACHER SURVEY COVER LETTER 

Dear [TEACHER NAME]: 

Your school is participating in the national Evaluation of the Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) 

conducted by xxxxxxxxxxxxx for the U.S. Department of Education. This important study will 

produce valuable information on the impact of performance-based incentive programs on student 

achievement and teacher and principal mobility. 

As part of the study, a sample of teachers is being asked to complete a Web-based survey this spring 

2015. You have been selected to be included in this sample. The survey will take about 30 minutes of 

your time. The survey is designed to learn about teachers’ understanding of the TIF program, your 

attitude toward it, as well as to collect demographic characteristics, educational background, and 

professional experience information. 

While your participation is voluntary, the information collected from teachers like you will be 

extremely important to the study’s findings. We will mail you a check for $20 in appreciation of your 

participation upon receipt of the completed survey this year and each subsequent year. 

The information you provide in this survey will be kept strictly confidential and will not be 

shared with anyone outside the study team. District officials, principals, and school staff will 

not have access to the survey’s data. Responses will be presented only in aggregate form and 

will not identify any individual or school. 

Please use the information below to access the TIF teacher survey. 

Go to https://www.xxxxxxx.org/ 

At the login screen, enter the following: 

Login ID: [username] 

Password: [password] 

If you have any questions, please contact xxxxxxxxx, the deputy survey director, toll free at xxx-xxxxxxx, or by email at xxxxxxxxxxxxx. 

Thank you for your cooperation and participation in this important study. 

Sincerely, 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Survey Director
OMB Control No.: [Program Name]

Expiration Date: 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND EVALUATION

SURVEY OF TEACHERS

SPRING 2015

This survey is part of the evaluation of the Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF), a federally funded initiative on 

performance pay for educators. The survey includes questions about your background, your teaching and 

other responsibilities, and your involvement in professional development.

Please return the completed form to: If you have questions, please contact:

This survey is authorized by law: (1) Sections 171(b) and 173 of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 

2002, Pub. L. 107-279 (2002); and (2) Section 9601 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 

(ESEA), as amended by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 (Pub. L. 107-110).

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid 

OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1850-0876. The time required to complete this 

information collection is estimated to average 30 minutes per respondent, including the time to review instructions, gather the data needed, 

and complete and review the information collected. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or 

suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202. If you have comments or 

concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of 

Education Sciences, 555 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20208.
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey

This survey is part of the national evaluation of the Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF), a federally funded 

initiative that will provide valuable information on the potential impact of performance-based teacher 

incentive programs on student achievement and educator mobility. The survey includes questions about 

your background, your teaching and other responsibilities, professional development activities, sources of 

compensation, and your knowledge and perceptions of your school’s TIF funded program.

We would like you to know that:

 This survey is voluntary, but your response is critical for producing valid and reliable data on your 

district’s TIF funded program. You may skip any questions you do not wish to answer; however, 

we hope that you answer as many questions as you can.

 The survey takes about 30 minutes to complete, and once you have completed it, we will send 

you $20 as a thank you.

 Refusal to participate in the teacher survey will not affect your employment, or relationship with 

your school or the evaluation partners, including the U.S. Department of Education, in any way.

 The study will provide important information that can be used by you and your district. 

Specifically, we will learn whether incentive programs may have a positive impact on student 

achievement and teacher and principal retention. 

 Responses to this data collection will be used only for statistical purposes. The reports prepared 

for this study will summarize findings across the sample and will not associate responses with a 

specific school or individual. We will not provide information that identifies you or your school to 

anyone outside the study team, except as required by law. Additionally, no one in your school or 

district will see your responses. 

 Participation in the teacher survey does not impose any special risks to you as a respondent 

other than accidental disclosure of information. Safeguards are in place to ensure individual 

respondent’s confidentiality including restricted access to questionnaire data and separating 

identifying information such as name and school from survey responses. All contractor staff sign 

a confidentiality pledge and all staff with access to study data have received clearance from the 

U.S. Department of Education and are subject to severe legal consequences for any breach of 

confidentiality.

 An IRB has reviewed and approved this study. If you have any questions about your rights as a 

research participant, you can contact IRB at 1-800-xxx-xxxx.

I have read and I understand the above statements and agree to participate in the survey

 

Thank you very much for your help with this survey.
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 1

A1. Please tell us about your degree(s).

Column A: For each row, indicate whether you hold that degree.

Column B: For each degree that you hold, provide the name, city, and state of the institution

from which you received that degree.

Column C: Write the code for the major field(s) of study using the Field of Study Codes table 

below.

Column D: Write the year in which that degree was awarded.

Note: If you have more than one bachelor’s or master’s degree, in Columns B-D, answer for the most 

recently received degree.

IN EACH ROW, MARK ONE BOX IN COLUMN A. IF YES, COMPLETE COLUMNS B TO D

A. DO YOU HAVE 

THIS DEGREE?

B. NAME, CITY, AND STATE OF 

AWARDING INSTITUTION

C. MAJOR 

CODE

D. YEAR 

AWARDED

a. Bachelor’s degree.................

1  Yes

0  No

_______________________

_______________________

| | | | | | | | |

b. Master’s degree....................

1  Yes

0  No

_______________________

_______________________

| | | | | | | | |

c. Doctorate degree..................

1  Yes

0  No

_______________________

_______________________

| | | | | | | | |

d. Other degree 

(Specify):...............................

1  Yes

0  No

_______________________

_______________________

| | | | | | | | |

_______________________

Field of Study Codes 

General Education

Elementary Education

101 Early childhood or pre-K, general

102 Elementary grades, general

Secondary Education

103 Middle grades, general

104 Secondary grades, general

110 Special Education

Other Education

131 Administration

132 Counseling and guidance

133 Educational psychology

134 Policy studies

135 School psychology

136 Other non-subject matter-specific 

education

Subject Matter-Specific

014 Arts and music

015 English and language arts

016 English as a Second Language (ESL)

017 Foreign languages

018 Health or physical education

019 Mathematics or computer science

020 Natural sciences

021 Social sciences (includes history, 

economics, government, etc.)

022 Vocational, career, or technical education

023 Humanities (includes philosophy, 

religion)

024 Other

A. EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 2

A2. Which of the following best describes the teaching certificate you currently hold in THIS 

state?

MARK ONE ONLY

1 Regular or standard certificate or advanced professional certificate.

2 Certificate issued after satisfying all requirements except the completion of a probationary period.

3 Certificate that requires some additional college coursework, student teaching, or passage of a 

test before regular certification can be obtained.

4 Certificate issued to persons who must complete a certification program in order to continue 

teaching.

5 I do not hold any of the above certifications in THIS state. GO TO QUESTION A5

A3. In what area(s) does the teaching certificate marked in A2 above allow you to teach in this 

state?

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

1  Preschool (birth-Pre-K)

2  Elementary (K-5)

3 Middle grades (6-8)

4 Secondary grades (9-12)

5  Specific subject areas (K-12) (Specify): ________________________________________

6 Exceptional children (K-12)

7 Other (Specify): ___________________________________________________________

A4. Which of the following statements best describes the way you obtained your certification?

MARK ONE ONLY

1 Through a traditional teacher certification program as part of a bachelor’s degree

2 Through a traditional teacher certification program as a “5th year” or master’s degree

3  Through the Teach For America (TFA) program

4 Through an alternative route to certification (other than TFA)

5 Other (Specify): ___________________________________________________________
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 3

A5. Do you have or are you currently pursuing National Board Certification?

1  Yes

0 No GO TO QUESTION A6

a. Date obtained or expected | | | / | | | | |

MONTH YEAR

b. In what discipline is the certification? ______________________________

A6. Since receiving your undergraduate degree, have you worked in any full-time non-teaching

job?

1  Yes. For how many years? | | | NUMBER

0 No

A7. Are you currently in a teaching position?

1  Yes GO TO QUESTION B1

0  No GO TO QUESTION A8

A8. Which category best describes your current employment status? 

MARK ONE ONLY

1 Working in the field of education, but not as a teacher (e.g., administrator or counselor) GO 

TO QUESTION A9

2 Working in a position outside the field of education GO TO QUESTION A9

3 Working in the home GO TO QUESTION A9

4 Unemployed (looking for work) GO TO QUESTION A9

5 Retired GO TO SECTION F ON PAGE 20

6 Taking time off from teaching with intent to return (e.g., maternity or disability leave) GO TO 

SECTION F ON PAGE 20

7 Other (Specify) ________________________ GO TO QUESTION A9
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 4

A9. Please indicate whether any of the following factors contributed to you leaving your teaching 

position.

MARK ONE BOX IN EACH 

ROW

YES NO

a. To pursue opportunities for professional advancement ..........................

1  0 

b. To pursue opportunities to earn extra pay ..............................................

1  0 

c. I did not like the way teacher performance was evaluated .....................

1  0 

d. Low morale at the school ........................................................................

1  0 

e. I was dissatisfied with teaching ...............................................................

1  0 

f. The school’s participation in [Program Name] ........................................

1  0 

GO TO SECTION F ON PAGE 21
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 5

B1. Including this school year, how many years have you worked as a teacher?

a. Total years as a teacher | | | NUMBER

b. Years in current district | | | NUMBER

B2. Please tell us about the school where you currently teach.

a. Name of school:___________________________________________ 

b. Including this year, number of years you have taught at this school | | | NUMBER

Note: If this is your first year teaching at this school, enter “01”.

 

B3. How influential was each of the following in your decision to work at your current school?

MARK ONE BOX IN EACH ROW

NOT AT ALL SLIGHTLY SOMEWHAT HIGHLY 

a. District central office......................................... 1  2  3  4 

b. Principal............................................................ 1  2  3  4 

c. Other school staff ............................................. 1  2  3  4 

d. School location................................................. 1  2  3  4 

e. Compensation .................................................. 1  2  3  4 

f. Working conditions........................................... 1  2  3  4 

g. Other (Specify)................................................. 1  2  3  4 

____________________________________

B4. Of the factors listed above, which was the most influential in your decision?

Write the letter of the factor above that was most influential. | | LETTER

B5. Did the [Program Name] affect your choice of where or what to teach?

1 Yes

0  No GO TO QUESTION B7

B. TEACHING AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 6

B6. How has the [Program Name] affected your choice of where or what to teach this school year?

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

1 Stayed at my school because of the [Program Name]

2 Changed school to get into the [Program Name]

3 Changed my primary grade or subject of instruction because of the [Program Name]

4 Applied to my school to get into the [Program Name]

5  Applied for position(s) in another school to leave the [Program Name]

6  Applied for position(s) in another school with a better bonus program

B7. Will the [Program Name] affect your choice of where or what to teach in the coming school 

year?

1 Yes

0  No GO TO QUESTION B9

B8. How do you expect the [Program Name] to affect your choice of where or what to teach in the 

coming school year?

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

1 Stay at my school because of the [Program Name]

2  Change school to get out of the [Program Name]

3  Change my primary grade or subject of instruction because of the [Program Name]

4 Apply for position(s) in another school to leave the [Program Name]

5  Apply for position(s) in another school with a better bonus program

B9. How would you classify your current teaching position at this school?

MARK ONE ONLY

1 Regular full-time teacher

2 Regular part-time teacher

3  Substitute teacher

4  Itinerant teacher (assigned to multiple schools)

5  Other (Specify): ___________________________________________________________
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 7

B10. Please indicate the grade(s) of the students you currently teach at THIS school. 

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

 1 1st grade

2 2nd grade

 3 3rd grade

 4 4th grade

 5 5th grade

 6 6th grade

 7 7th grade

 8 8th grade

 9 9th grade

10 10th grade

11 11th grade

12  12th grade

13  Kindergarten

14  Pre-kindergarten

15  Ungraded

B11. Do you currently teach one self-contained class (where you teach the same group of students 

most or all of the day in multiple subjects) or do you teach several classes of different 

students in one or more academic subjects?

MARK ONE ONLY

1  I teach one self-contained class GO TO QUESTION B13

2 I teach several classes of different students
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 8

B12. What subject(s) do you currently teach?

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

 1 English / language arts / reading

 2 Mathematics

 3 Science

 4 Social studies or history

 5 Foreign language

6 Special instruction for English Language Learners (ELL) or Limited English Proficient (LEP) 

students

 7 English as a Second Language (ESL)

 8 Visual or performing arts

 9 Special education

10 Physical education

11  Other (Specify): __________________________________________________________
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 9

B13. In the most recent FULL WEEK of school, what is your best estimate of how you spent your 

time during school hours? 

SCHOOL HOURS are the hours that you are required to be at school, regardless of whether students 

are there.

Report hours to the nearest WHOLE HOUR. If you did not spend time on a particular activity, write 0 (zero).

Please make sure the hours in the items below (a through e) sum to the total number of school hours in 

the most recent full week.

HOURS SPENT LAST FULL WEEK 

a. Teaching students in the classroom, small groups, or individually | | |

b. Supervising students in other activities (e.g., bus duty, hall duty, lunch 

duty, counseling, coaching a sport) | | |

c. Preparation on your own (e.g., lessons, grading, assignments) | | |

d. Preparation and professional development with colleagues (e.g., 

common lesson planning, workshops, staff meetings, mentoring) | | |

e. Other activities | | |

TOTAL SCHOOL HOURS IN LAST FULL WEEK (SUM OF a THROUGH e)

B14. In the most recent FULL WEEK of school, what is your best estimate of the hours you spent 

on school-related activities during non-school hours? 

NON-SCHOOL HOURS are the hours that you are not required to be at school.

Report hours to the nearest WHOLE HOUR. If you did not spend time on a particular activity, write 0 (zero).

HOURS SPENT LAST FULL WEEK

a. Academic-related activities with students (e.g., tutoring) | | |

b. Other activities with students (e.g., transporting students, sports 

coaching, advising a student group) | | |

c. Preparation on your own (e.g., lessons, grading, assignments) | | |

d. Preparation and professional development with colleagues (e.g., 

common lesson planning, workshops, staff meetings, mentoring) | | |

e. Other school-related activities | | |

TOTAL NON-SCHOOL HOURS IN LAST FULL WEEK (SUM OF a

THROUGH e)

B15. Approximately how many years do you think you will remain in teaching after this school year?

I will probably teach for | | | more years.
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 10

Support You Received

C1. Did you have any mentor, coach, or colleague who was responsible for supporting your 

teaching this year?

1 Yes

0  No GO TO QUESTION C5

C2. In a typical month of teaching, how frequently did you have scheduled meetings with mentors 

or coaches?

| | | SCHEDULED MEETING(S) IN A TYPICAL MONTH

C3. On average, how long were these scheduled meetings?

| | | MINUTES PER SCHEDULED MEETING

C4. In addition to the scheduled time above, how much unscheduled time did you spend meeting 

with mentors or coaches during a typical month of teaching?

| | | HOURS AND | | | MINUTES OF UNSCHEDULED TIME

Support You Provided

C5. During this school year, were you assigned to mentor or coach another teacher (or teachers) 

in your school or district? If so, please indicate whether it was part of the [Program Name].

MARK ONE ONLY

1  Yes, part of the [Program Name]

2  Yes, but not as part of the [Program Name]

0  No GO TO QUESTION C8

C6. During a typical month of teaching, how much time did you spend mentoring or coaching 

other teachers? 

Please include both scheduled meetings and informal time, but exclude normal peer collaboration or 

common lesson planning.

| | | HOUR(S) AND | | | MINUTES MENTORING DURING A TYPICAL MONTH OF TEACHING

C. SUPPORT AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 11

C7. Indicate whether each of the following statements about the support (coaching or mentoring) 

you provided to other teachers is true. 

MARK ONE BOX IN EACH ROW

YES NO

a. I received special training before this school year on providing 

mentoring or coaching.............................................................................

1  0 

b. I received special training during this school year on providing 

mentoring or coaching.............................................................................

1  0 

c. I have been given release time for mentoring or coaching .....................

1  0 

d. I am a mentor or coach to more than one teacher..................................

1  0 

e. I am responsible for conducting classroom observations .......................

1  0 

f. I have conducted professional development sessions in my school ......

1  0 

Professional Development

C8. Approximately how many hours do you expect to spend participating in professional 

development activities during the 2014-2015 school year?

Include courses you have taken for recertification or advanced certification, workshops sponsored by your 

school or district, conferences, or any other training that is relevant to your teaching.

If you did not participate in ANY professional development activities during this time, write ‘0’ and go to 

Question C10.

| | | | TOTAL HOUR(S)
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 12

C9. Have you received or do you plan to receive professional development (PD) on any of the 

following topics during the 2014-2015 school year? 

For each topic listed, indicate the following:

A: Was the topic the focus of professional development (PD) in which you participated?

B: If yes, approximately how many hours were spent on the topic? (Your best estimate.)

C: In general, how useful was the PD to your teaching?

IN EACH ROW, MARK ONE BOX IN COLUMN A. IF YES, COMPLETE COLUMNS B AND C.

A. FOCUS OF PD? B. HOURS 

SPENT ON 

TOPIC

C. USEFULNESS OF PD TO YOUR TEACHING

YES NO

NOT AT 

ALL SLIGHTLY

SOMEWHAT HIGHLY

a Understanding components of the

[Program Name] ........................ 1  0  | | | 1  2  3  4 

b. Understanding performance 

measure used as part of the

[Program Name] ........................ 1  0  | | | 1  2  3  4 

c. Direct feedback based upon 

individual performance ratings as 

measured by the [Program 

Name] ......................................... 1  0  | | | 1  2  3  4 

d. Differentiated instructional 

strategies based on student 

assessments ............................... 1  0  | | | 1  2  3  4 

e. Instructional techniques and 

strategies..................................... 1  0  | | | 1  2  3  4 

f. Aligning curricula to state or 

district standards ......................... 1  0  | | | 1  2  3  4 

Classroom Observation

Note: For the following questions, please consider only instances of formal observations conducted in your 

classroom. Formal observations are standardized by using an instrument, rubric or checklist.

C10. How many times during this school year has someone observed you teaching? 

Formal classroom observation involves a staff member who observes and takes notes.

| | | | OBSERVATION(S) THIS SCHOOL YEAR TO DATE

C11. How many additional times during this school year do you expect to be observed teaching?

| | | | MORE OBSERVATION(S) EXPECTED BY THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 13

C12. How many people in each of the categories listed below observed you teaching? 

For each category, write the number of people involved in the formal classroom observation(s) you have 

had or expect to have during this school year. Write 0 for any category that does not apply.

WRITE NUMBER IN 

EACH ROW

a. Principal(s) .............................................................................................. | | |

b. Assistant or vice principal(s) ................................................................... | | |

c. Department head(s) ................................................................................ | | |

d. Math or literacy coach(es)....................................................................... | | |

e. Other senior teacher(s) from the school, such as a mentor, master or lead teacher | | |

f. Observer(s) not working at your school .................................................. | | |

g. Other (Specify) ........................................................................................ | | |

______________________________________________________________

C13. Think of the most recent formal observation you received. Did it include feedback designed to 

help you improve your teaching?

1  Yes

0  No GO TO QUESTION D1

C14. Think of the most recent formal observation you received. Did you receive or do you expect to 

receive a written summary of findings? 

MARK ONE ONLY

1  I have received a written summary

2  I have not received a written summary but expect to receive one 

3  I have not received a written summary and do not expect to receive one

C15. Did you receive oral feedback?

1  Yes

0  No

C16. How soon after the observation did you receive the feedback?

1  Same day as the observation

2  Within a week after the observation

3  Between one and two weeks after the observation

4  More than two weeks after the observation
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 14

C17. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the most recent feedback 

you received based on a formal classroom observation that used a rubric or checklist?

MARK ONE BOX IN EACH ROW

STRONGLY 

DISAGREE DISAGREE AGREE STRONGLY AGREE

a. The timeliness of the feedback was appropriate

.........................................................................

1  2  3  4 

b. The feedback was easy to understand 1  2  3  4 

c. The feedback provided specific ideas about 

how I could improve my performance 1  2  3  4 

d. The feedback made me more reflective about 

my teaching 1  2  3  4 

e. The feedback provided useful information to 

improve my teaching 1  2  3  4 

f. In the long run, students will benefit from the 

feedback I received 1  2  3  4 
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 15

D1. How satisfied are you with each of the following aspects of your school this year?

MARK ONE BOX IN EACH ROW

VERY 

DISSATISFIED

SOMEWHAT 

DISSATISFIED

SOMEWHAT 

SATISFIED

VERY 

SATISFIED

a. Opportunities for professional advancement.............................. 1  2  3  4 

b. Opportunities to enhance my skills ............................................ 1  2  3  4 

c. Opportunities to earn extra pay.................................................. 1  2  3  4 

d. Use of formal classroom observations to assess 

my skills ......................................................................................

1  2  3  4 

e. Use of student achievement scores to assess my

effectiveness .............................................................................. 1  2  3  4 

f. Feedback on my performance ................................................... 1  2  3  4 

g. Recognition of accomplishments ............................................... 1  2  3  4 

h. Quality of interaction with colleagues................................ 1  2  3  4 

i. Efforts of my colleagues ............................................................. 1  2  3  4 

j. Morale in the school ................................................................1  2  3  4 

k. Overall job satisfaction ............................................................... 1  2  3  4 

D. PERCEPTIONS ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL 
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 16

D2. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements? If a statement does 

not apply (e.g. you are not currently teaching in a school participating in TIF 3, or teachers in your 

school cannot earn bonuses), mark the N/A column for not applicable.

MARK ONE BOX IN EACH ROW

STRONGLY 

DISAGREE DISAGREE AGREE

STRONGLY 

AGREE

N/A

a. Teachers who do the same job should receive 

the same pay.................................................................

1  2  3  4  9 

b. Standardized student test scores in my district 

measure what students have learned ................................

1  2  3  4  9 

c. My principal is a good judge of teacher talent............................ 1  2  3  4  9 

d. I am glad that I am participating in the

[Program Name] ................................................................

1  2  3  4  9 

e. My job satisfaction has increased due to the

[Program Name] ................................................................

1  2  3  4  9 

f. I feel increased pressure to perform due to the

[Program Name] ................................................................

1  2  3  4  9 

g. I have less freedom to teach the way I would 

like to teach due to the [Program Name]................................

1  2  3  4  9

h. The [Program Name] has harmed the 

collaborative nature of teaching ................................ 1  2  3  4  9 

i. The [Program Name] has caused teachers to 

work more effectively................................................................ 1  2  3  4  9 

j. The [Program Name] is fair ...................................................... 1  2  3  4  9 

k. The process used to determine how bonuses 

are determined was adequately explained to 

me...............................................................................................

1  2  3  4  9 
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 17

 

For questions in this section, please think about all policies and programs in effect at your school.

E1. For which of the following roles or activities can teachers in your school earn additional pay this 

school year? 

For each Yes answer, indicate in Column B the maximum amount that any teacher could receive, and in 

Column C, the amount you expect to receive. Enter “0” if you are not eligible or do not expect to earn pay 

in this category.

Roles and Responsibilities

A. ELIGIBLE FOR 

ADDITIONAL 

PAY?

B. MAXIMUM AMOUNT 

POSSIBLE

C. AMOUNT YOU EXPECT 

TO RECEIVE

a. Mentor teacher ...............................................

1  Yes

0  No

$ | | |,| | | | $ | | |,| | | |

b. Master or lead teacher................................

1  Yes

0  No

$ | | |,| | | | $ | | |,| | | |

c. Department chair or head...............................

1  Yes

0  No

$ | | |,| | | | $ | | |,| | | |

d. Lead curriculum specialist .............................

1  Yes

0  No

$ | | |,| | | | $ | | |,| | | |

e. Serving on a school-wide committee or 

task force ........................................................

1  Yes

0  No

$ | | |,| | | | $ | | |,| | | |

f. Serving on a leadership team in some 

capacity (Specify) ...........................................

________________________________

1  Yes

0  No

$ | | |,| | | | $ | | |,| | | |

Other Activities

g. Teaching in a hard-to-staff school (e.g., 

schools serving large proportions of 

economically disadvantaged or lowperforming students).......................................

1  Yes

0  No

$ | | |,| | | | $ | | |,| | | |

h. Teaching high-need subjects (e.g., 

math, science, or special education)..............

1  Yes

0  No

$ | | |,| | | | $ | | |,| | | |

i. Attending professional development 

activities or enrolling in graduate-level 

courses (exclude tuition)................................

________________________________

1  Yes

0  No

$ | | |,| | | | $ | | |,| | | |

j. An automatic bonus (e.g. 1% of salary) 

for participating in [Program Name]..............

1  Yes

0  No

$ | | |,| | | | $ | | |,| | | |

E. COMPENSATION AND EVALUATION
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 18

The next series of questions focus on criteria used to measure your performance and to determine 

performance-based bonuses. Performance-based bonuses refer to bonuses based on measured teacher 

effectiveness and do not include additional pay for roles/responsibilities and activities (such as those listed in 

Question E1).

E2. Is it possible for you to earn a bonus based solely on your performance for the 2014-2015

school year?

1  Yes GO TO E3

0  No GO TO E6

E3. What is the maximum performance-based bonus that someone in your teaching position 

could possibly earn for this school year? 

Round to the nearest $100.

$ | | | , | | | |

E4. What is your best estimate of the actual amount of performance-based bonus that you will 

receive? 

Round to the nearest $100. Check the box if you do not expect to be eligible for or earn any additional 

pay based on your performance . 

$ | | | , | | | | 

E5. Did you receive a bonus based solely on your performance last year? 

1 Yes

0  No

E6. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the performancebased bonuses that were distributed based on teachers’ measured performance last year?

MARK ONE BOX IN EACH ROW

STRONGLY 

DISAGREE

DISAGREE AGREE 

STRONGLY 

AGREE 

a. It was explained why I 

did (or did not) receive a 

performance-based 

1  2  3  4 

b. I understand how the 

amounts of the 

performance-based 

1  2  3  4 

c. I received information 

about the performancebased bonus in a timely 

1  2  3  4 

d. I feel the performancebased bonus payouts 

were fair................................

1  2  3  4 

e. I understand how I can 

adjust my teaching 

practices this year to 

try to earn a bonus or 

1  2  3  4 
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 19

E7. Which of the following performance criteria are used to evaluate your performance or to determine 

your performance-based bonus? 

In column A, indicate whether the performance criterion is used to evaluate your performance.

In column B, indicate whether the performance criterion helps determine whether you may receive a 

performance-based bonus or the amount of the bonus you may receive. If you are not eligible for a 

performance-based bonus, please mark “N/A” for not applicable.

FOR EACH CRITERION, MARK ONE BOX IN 

COLUMN A AND ONE BOX IN COLUMN B

A. IS CRITERION 

USED TO EVALUATE 

YOUR 

PERFORMANCE?

B. DOES CRITERION 

AFFECT YOUR 

PERFORMANCE-BASED 

BONUS?

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

YES NO YES NO N/A

a. Student test scores at a point in time (e.g., average 

scores, proficiency rates, or Adequate Yearly 

Progress – AYP based on 2014-2015 scores only) .....

1  0  1  0  9

b. Growth in student test scores between the current 

and prior school year(s) at the school level (e.g., 

value-added, average gains) ........................................

1  0  1  0  9

c. Growth in student test scores between the current 

and prior school year(s) in certain student groups

(e.g., grade level, team, subject area............................

1  0  1  0  9

d. Growth in student test scores between the current 

and prior school year(s) in teachers’ individual 

classes ..........................................................................

1  0  1  0  9

DIRECT OBSERVATION

e. Classroom observations 1  0  1  0  9

f. Professional judgment of principal or other 

administrator, other than classroom observations ........

1  0  1  0  9 

ATTENDANCE

g. Teacher attendance 1  0  1  0  9

h. Student attendance....................................................... 1  0  1  0  9

STAKEHOLDER INPUT

i. Reviews from other teachers 1  0  1  0  9

j. Parent input................................................................... 1  0  1  0  9

k. Student input ................................................................ 1  0  1  0  9

l. OTHER (Specify) ............................................................... 1  0  1  0  9
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 20

E8. What is your academic-year base teaching salary for the current school year? 

Do not include the value of potential performance-based bonuses. Please report your before-tax 

earnings from teaching for July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

Round to the nearest $100.

$ | | | | , | | 0 | 0 |

E9. Does your base teaching salary include additional pay for any roles or activities you may have 

performed this year besides classroom teaching?

1  Yes GO TO E10

0  No GO TO F1

E10. Please indicate the amount of your base teaching salary that is due to additional pay for 

performing additional roles or activities. 

Round to the nearest $100.

$ | | | , | | | |

E11. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?

MARK ONE BOX IN EACH ROW

STRONGLY 

DISAGREE

DISAGREE AGREE 

STRONGLY 

AGREE 

a. The 

district’s 

1  2  3  4 

b. The district’s teacher performance 

measures are 

fair.............................................

......

1  2  3  4 

c. The district’s teacher performance 

measures are used to support 

teacher improvement..... 1  2  3  4 
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 21

F1. In 2015-16, I have the potential to earn additional pay 

MARK ONE PER ROW

YES NO

a. Based solely on performance (e.g., measured by student achievement 

growth, observations, or a combination of measures)............................... 1 □ 0□

b. Based on performance measured by student achievement growth .......... 1 □ 0□

c. Based on performance measured by observations ................................... 1 □ 0□

d. Based on my school’s characteristics (e.g., schools serving large 

proportions of economically disadvantaged or low-performing students).. 1 □ 0□

e. For teaching in a hard-to-staff school or subject......................................... 1 □ 0□

f. For taking on additional roles or responsibilities (such as mentoring or 

master lead teacher) .................................................................................. 1 □ 0□

F2. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements?

MARK ONE BOX IN EACH ROW

STRONGLY 

DISAGREE

DISAGREE AGREE 

STRONGLY 

AGREE 

a. The district should provide additional pay based 

on teacher performance in 2015-16................. 1  2  3  4 

b. The district should use student achievement 

growth to measure teacher performance in 

2015-16 ..........................................................

1  2  3  4 

c. The district should use multiple observations 

conducted by trained observers to measure 

teacher effectiveness in 2015-16................

1  2  3  4 

F. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION IN 2015-16
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 22

G1. Are you male or female?

1  Male

2  Female

G2. Are you of Hispanic or Latino origin? 

1  Yes

0 No

G3. What is your race?

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

1  White

2  Black or African American

3  Asian

4  Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

5  American Indian or Alaska Native

G4. What is your year of birth?

| 1 | 9 | | |

G5. What is your marital status?

1  Married or living with a partner

2  Widowed, separated, divorced, or never married

G6. Please check the appropriate box(es) regarding dependent children living with you.

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

1  Under 5 years

2  Age 5 to 18 years

0  No dependent children 18 years or younger

G. YOUR BACKGROUND
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 23

G7. Which statement below describes your living arrangement?

MARK ONE ONLY

1  Own home (either paying a mortgage or own outright)

2  Rent

3  Living with parents or someone else rent-free

G8. How far do you live from the school where you currently teach?

If you are not currently teaching, check this box  and go Question F9.

Please indicate miles AND minutes. Your best estimate is fine.

a. | | | | miles

b. | | | | minutes

G9. If you have any additional thoughts you would like to share about the [Program Name], please use 

the space below.
TIF Spring 2015 Teacher Survey 24

H1. Please provide your contact information below. We will use it to reach you in case we need to 

clarify any of your responses. We will also use the address to mail your check if you would 

like to receive it at an address other than the school’s. 

Providing this information is voluntary.

Name:______________________________________________________________________

Street address:______________________________________________________________

City:____________________________ State:___________________ Zip Code:_________

Home Telephone: | | | |-| | | |-| | | | |

Area Code Number

Cell Phone: | | | |-| | | |-| | | | |

Area Code Number

Work email:_________________________________________________________________

Home email:_________________________________________________________________

Best time to reach you by phone: Day: ______________________ Time: ________________

H2. A follow-up questionnaire will be sent to you at your school next year. Please provide the 

name and contact information of someone who will know how to reach you if you are no 

longer at your current school.

Providing this information is voluntary.

Person’s Name: ______________________________________________________________

Relationship to you: ___________________________________________________________

Street address: ______________________________________________________________

City:_______________________________ State:_________________ Zip Code: ________

Home Telephone: | | | |-| | | |-| | | | |

Area Code Number

Email: _____________________________________________________________________

Thank you for completing this questionnaire. 

H. CONTACT INFORMATION