Due to an escalating crisis in teacher recruitment and retention, new incentives are being offered to make the job more appealing. This includes two free periods a week to give them a later start and lie-in, a nine-day fortnight, and more planning time at home to help with work-life balance.
This is part of the new government manifesto commitment to recruit 6,500 new teachers.
A new report by education charity Teach First was published, calling for every teacher to be given a “flexibility” entitlement.
“For too long conditions in the teaching profession have failed to keep pace with what the next generation of workers crave in a career – and what they can find in other sectors. This means that, despite having huge respect for teachers, Gen Z are simply not signing up in sufficient numbers. This is holding back the education of our young people, especially from poorer backgrounds.” says Russell Hobby, Teach First CEO.
The report also found that although 73% regard teaching as a purposeful job, they also perceive it as stressful (42%) and poorly paid (36%) in a sector with inadequate funding (36%).
A Department for Education spokesperson said, “Teacher recruitment and retention is in a parlous state. That is why the Education Secretary has already begun a reset of the government’s relationship with the sector, with the intent to re-establish teaching as an attractive, expert and ultimately go-to profession for graduates.
“We are taking steps to support teachers’ wellbeing and ease workload pressures, including clarifying that teachers can carry out their planning time at home, improving flexible working for staff.”
This new research highlights the importance of shifting workplace demands and expectations in order to retain staff and keep them happy.