The MetLife Foundation and the Committee for Economic Development recently held a panel discussion on the 2004 MetLife Survey of the American Teacher: Transitions and the Role of Supportive Relationships. Aditi Srivastav, a sophomore at Col. Zadok Magruder High School, was the only student on a four-member panel that participated in a discussion of the survey results before an audience of invited guests. The discussion took place on June 14 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Humphrey Taylor, chairman of the Harris Poll, Harris Interactive, presented the survey findings. In addition to Srivastav, other panelists were Dr. Mary Brabeck, dean, New York University School of Education; Dr. Joe Hairston, superintendent of schools, Baltimore County; and Dr. Kerry Sulkowicz, founder and principal, the Boswell Group, LLC.

The survey explores the attitudes and opinions of teachers, principals, and students on the experience of being new in school. Teachers with five years or less experience and students in grades 7-12 were asked about such topics as orientation, parent involvement, and relationships among various members of the school community.