It is fascinating and frustrating to realise that the same issues face teachers across the world. The issues perplexing us in Scotland are generating similar doubts and debates internationally.
A superb recent blog by Bill Cirone, superintendent of schools in Santa Barbara, California, notes that Santa Barbara is short of teachers, a shortage attributable to a range of factors which have made the profession less attractive than was once the case (read this at http://bit.ly/1M6539b).
Teaching, says Mr Cirone, pays significantly less than comparable professions. He also however pinpoints the demoralising impact of the toxic language in which the media, politicians and commentators criticise teachers, their unions, their work ethic and their pensions. The results are clear. One out of five new US teachers leaves the classroom within the first three years, even more quickly in urban school districts.
Register now, read forever
Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.
What's included:
-
Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast
-
New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday
Already have an account? Sign in here