Teachers in England – Overworked and Demoralised

Long hours spent on administrative tasks combined with larger classes and cut backs in teachers’ professional development makes for an extremely worrying picture. Teacher’s report that the job is becoming unmanageable and while many are keen to ‘teach and make a difference’ many are becoming demoralised and exhausted.

The report, based on data collected in the OECD’s Teaching and Learning International Survey between 2012 and 2014 – which compares the practices of teachers in secondary schools in 36 jurisdictions, reveals that teachers in England work longer hours than their counterparts in all but two of these states.

England’s teachers are also hovering at the bottom of the international table for continuing professional development. Citing that workload, cut backs and lack of time was halting them from essential ongoing training.

The Department for Education told the BBC that it recognised teachers’ concerns and is continuing to work with them to find constructive solutions.

Dr. Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said: “Most worrying is the fact that teachers’ professional development is being cut, at a time when there is massive change in the curriculum, its assessment and qualifications.

“Teachers want to do the best they can for their pupils, but they are being held back by ‘busy work’ and a lack of training and development which would enable them to meet the challenge of change which, for many, is overwhelming.”

Joy McCann, Head of Learning at the Fashion Technology Academy added her thoughts:

“I’ve been in teaching for over 15-years and I do believe that with all the cut backs in funding with FE and the SFA, this isnegatively impacting on teachers. The drive to attain a Grade 2 or 1 with Ofsted provides even more pressure and we have to be careful that training providers don’t become administrative efficient to the detriment of the learners journey. As Head of Learning and Development here at Fashion Enter, my focus is ensuring that we provide the real work skills learning experience that enables learners to get a quality job.  We only undertake qualifications too as we do not believe in certificates of completion. It’s a highly competitive world out there and our learners will be best placed to succeed in their fashion ambitions.” 

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