There is no doubt that economic challenges and the political climate has, and will create problems for music programs in some areas across the state. Between the 2009-2012, the Impact of Budget Cut Surveys administered by the Advocacy Committee have confirmed a loss of over 500 music teaching positions in Kansas (reported in Kansas Music Review 75.2, Spring Issue 2012). In 2014, the Teaching Satisfaction Survey indicated that nearly 25% of Kansas music teachers who responded have experienced increased dissatisfaction with music teaching over the former two years (reported in Kansas Music Review 77.2 Spring Issue 2014).

Although some of these teaching positions have returned, schools now face a similar economic challenge. In an attempt for KMEA to stay apprised of the realities of music teaching in Kansas and to develop appropriate professional development, the Advocacy Committee will administer an updated version of the Teacher Satisfaction survey to all music teachers to identify changes in satisfaction, job-related stress, work-load, perceptions of student achievement, and feelings about teaching. This will be initially administered paper-based and electronically during the Fall District Meetings by the district advocacy chair and president. The survey will take approximately five to seven minutes to complete. A follow-up request to complete the survey will be sent with an open link to all music KMEA members in each district president's newsletter following the District meetings.

We will also administer electronically an updated Impact of Budget Cuts survey to fine-arts coordinators or music teacher representatives from each school district. We hope to receive a district summative response from every district in the state. After Jan 1, a follow-up email will be send to teachers/fine-arts administrators who have not responded.

Please be on the lookout for these surveys and help us get an accurate picture of music teaching in the state of Kansas!