‘Teachers these days, they aren’t what they used to be’: An exploration of the expectations of the profession from both established and new teachers
Written by: Kay Shepherd
9 min read
KAY SHEPHERD, DIRECTOR OF LEARNING, E-ACT MULTI ACADEMY TRUST, UK
‘Teachers. They aren’t what they used to be.’ This sentiment snakes through staffrooms, especially when a new early career teacher (ECT) or initial teacher training (ITT) student begins their journey. It’s a perspective held by some seasoned educators, but is it accurate? And why does this perception arise? This article aims to explore the views of established and new teachers regarding workload, expectations and professionalism, and how new initiatives may have influenced these areas. There is undoubtedly room at present to explore what professionalism means in terms of teacher standards and professional development within the ethical and social norms; however, this article will look through the lens of those entering the teaching profession.
What are the complaints?
‘They’re out the door at 3.15pm!’
Historically, the perception is that teacher workload is high, driving both longstanding and newly qua
Join us or sign in now to view the rest of this page
You're viewing this site as a guest, which only allows you to view a limited amount of content.
To view this page and get access to all our resources, join the Chartered College of Teaching (it's free for trainee teachers and half price for ECTs) or log in if you're already a member.
- Allen B, Ford B, Hallahan G et al. (2024) Teacher recruitment and retention in 2024: An exploration of recruitment challenges in disadvantaged schools. The Gatsby Foundation. Available at: www.gatsby.org.uk/uploads/education/2024-06-13-teacher-tapp-final-teacher-recruitment-and-retention-in-20241.pdf (accessed 28 November 2024).
- Baeva IA and Bordovskaia NV (2015) The psychological safety of the educational environment and the psychological well-being of Russian secondary school pupils and teachers. Psychology in Russia: State of the Art 8(1): 86–99.
- Banks B, Sims S, Curran J et al. (2024) Decomposition and recomposition: Effects on novice teachers’ enactment and transfer of behaviour management practices. Ambition Institute and Ark Teacher Training. Available at: https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/ambition-institute/documents/Decomp-Recomp_2024_Full_paper_digital.pdf (accessed 28 November 2024).
- Bryk AS and Schneider B (2003) Trust in Schools: A Core Resource for School Reform. New York: Russell Sage Foundation.
- Robinson V (nd) Open-to-learning conversations: Background paper. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267411000_Open-to-learning_Conversations_Background_Paper_Introduction_to_Open-to-learning_Conversations (accessed 10 January 2025).
- Dai J (2022) New teachers are leaving the profession: How can school leadership make a difference? SHS Web of Conferences 157(5): 01002.
- Department for Education (DfE) (2019a) Early career framework. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60795936d3bf7f400b462d74/Early-Career_Framework_April_2021.pdf (accessed 28 November 2024).
- Department for Education (DfE) (2019b) ITT core content framework. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6061eb9cd3bf7f5cde260984/ITT_core_content_framework_.pdf (accessed 28 November 2024).
- Department for Education (DfE) (2021) Teachers’ standards. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61b73d6c8fa8f50384489c9a/Teachers__Standards_Dec_2021.pdf (accessed 28 November 2024).
- Department for Education (DfE) (2024) Initial teacher training (ITT): Criteria and supporting advice. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/673f55f54ebce30ac7baf091/Initial_teacher_training__ITT__criteria_and_supporting_advice_-_November_2024.pdf (accessed 28 November 2024).
- Kraft MA and Papay JP (2014) Can professional environments in schools promote teacher development? Explaining heterogeneity in returns to teaching experience. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis 36(4): 476–500.
- National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) (2024) Teacher recruitment and retention crisis shows no signs of abating, new report reveals. Available at: www.nfer.ac.uk/press-releases/teacher-recruitment-and-retention-crisis-shows-no-signs-of-abating-new-report-reveals (accessed 28 November 2024).
- Ofsted (2024) Independent review of teachers’ professional development in schools: Phase 2 findings. Available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/teachers-professional-development-in-schools/independent-review-of-teachers-professional-development-in-schools-phase-2-findings (accessed 28 November 2024).
- Robson D (2002) The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Transform Your Life. Edinburgh: Canongate Books.
- Teach First (2024) Tomorrow’s teachers: A roadmap to get Gen Z into the classroom. Available at: www.teachfirst.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-09/Tomorrows_teachers_Teach_First_report.pdf (accessed 28 November 2024).
Subscribe
Please login to comment
0 Comments
Oldest
