The Recruitment Crisis: An RQTs Perspective

Crisis? What Crisis? 

 At this very moment the newest cohort of PGCE students may have received their places, are doing preparatory reading, organising a work placement before they get started. They are walking into a profession in turmoil, I sometimes wonder just how aware of it they are.

 Media Barrage

Almost every time I see an article about teaching in any major media publication (not including bloggers etc.) there is substantial media coverage, an unrelenting barrage almost, of negativity about the profession: recruitment crisis, teacher burnout, ill thought out government policies, the list goes on.

The recruitment crisis is real, there is no denying this. More experienced colleagues tell me anecdotally that now classes are bigger than they ever have been (which is backed up in numerous sources). Universities are not filling up all PGCE spaces, factoring in drop out rates and the number of teachers who never make the classroom after gaining QTS.

What can we do about it?

I've thought about this a lot lately. Is it possible that within the vitriolic martyrdom which many teachers find themselves enveloped, we are creating a culture which is putting off others from joining our wonderful job? Are we so entitled to our self-sacrifice and indulgent moaning that we are making things worse for ourselves?

I am in no way suggesting that there are not problems in teaching, and these do need to be addressed. I would love to have a solution that enables teachers to rise their concerns in a more unified and appropriate manner that wouldn't put potential teachers off. unfortunately the only solution I can think of is small scale.

The world must look very bleak to a brand new PGCE trainee: faced with burnt out teachers who yearn for the glory days; overworked colleagues who are struggling to balance work and life; critical parents with wildly unachievable expectations. Faced with this can anyone blame them for leaving to the much-promised greener grass on the other side?

Why are you a teacher?

I think people should sometimes stop and think why they are a teacher. If it is that full of pitfalls and misery, why endure it?

I had a conversation with a student last week in which I discussed my background. 'Sir, why are you a teacher then?'. It stumped me, why do students consider teaching to be such an undesirable job. I took a few moments and answered

I love everything about it, it absolutely has its downsides, but I walk into school every day not dreading whats coming up, but with a smile. I love being able to interact with students and help their learning. I get to try and make a difference, I might not always succeed, but I will sometimes, and that makes it worth it.

So, if you have read this far, take a moment to reflect. Why do you teach? Advertise that to the world. People need to know that despite the politics, the stress and the long hours. We have chosen to remain as teachers.

Maybe if more people write and think about this, we may help to alleviate some of the problems we face.