Teaching still seen as a job for life

A new YouGov poll has found that 62 per cent of people agree that teaching is a job for life, but 53 per cent of teachers would not be likely to recommend teaching as a career to young adults.

Carried out for the Chartered College of Teaching, the results also showed that 61 per cent of the public think the work of teachers is valued less than it was five years ago, and 78 per cent think more needs to do more to recognise the work of teachers.

As part of the #YourProfession campaign, the Chartered College of Teaching is supporting students and NQTs entering the profession with the support to make the strongest start to their career and be in the best position to manage challenges. This includes an early career guide packed with advice and insight from teachers and experts, a series of early-career events across the country and an Early Career Conference.

Dame Professor Alison Peacock, chief executive of the Chartered College of Teaching, said: “Our teachers play a crucial role in shaping the lives of young people. Despite growing workloads and stretched resources our teachers have a positive impact on society every single day. With these growing pressures, it is unfortunately not surprising that people are reluctant to recommend teaching as a career.

“At the Chartered College of Teaching we wholeheartedly believe that teachers should be celebrated for their work. They need to have the support of the whole of society and have access to the tools and insight to be the best teacher they can be. If we can support our teachers from the second they start training and celebrate them throughout their career for their impact, we can build the strongest profession possible.”