Teacher Retention: Where did we go wrong?

Teacher Retention: The Revolving Door of Education

Throughout my teaching career, I've had the unique opportunity to teach digital skills across a broad spectrum of educational levels—primary, secondary, college, and now university. This rare insight has allowed me to witness the entire educational journey of young learners, from the age of 5 as they begin school, to 18 as they make crucial decisions about their future and enter the job market. A recurring theme I’ve noticed, especially among my tech students, is that when asked what they want to do after completing their courses, the answer is almost always, "I want to work in industry." Very rarely does anyone say, "I want to go into teaching."

I understand this response all too well. Faced with a similar choice early in my career, I could have pursued a path in network engineering or any other tech-based role in the industry. However, I chose to become an IT teacher because I saw people like me earning a decent wage while making a difference. But over the years, the public perception of teaching has been on a tumultuous journey, marked by periods of admiration and appreciation, but also moments of disillusionment and devaluation.

The Pre-Pandemic Exodus

Before the pandemic, teaching faced a severe retention crisis. Many talented educators were leaving the profession, worn down by excessive workloads, administrative demands, and a lack of genuine support. Teachers were often caught in a cycle of trying to appease Senior Leadership Teams (SLT) and meet Ofsted requirements rather than focusing on their own professional growth and the joy of teaching. The profession's value seemed to be measured not by the quality of learning or the impact on students' lives but by rigid standards and targets that often felt disconnected from the real work of education.

In this climate, some of the most skilled teachers were lured away by industry roles offering better pay, work-life balance, and professional recognition. Others left for leadership roles in academies, joined edtech companies, or even set up their own enterprises. The constant pressure to be "outstanding"—a designation often based on superficial metrics—left little room for teachers to experiment with pedagogy, engage in meaningful professional development, or simply enjoy the craft of teaching. Burnout became common, and with each departure, the revolving door of teacher turnover spun faster, opening gaps that were increasingly filled by non-qualified or inexperienced educators.

Pandemic Praise and Post-Pandemic Disillusionment

During the pandemic, the narrative around teaching shifted dramatically. Educators were suddenly seen as national heroes, praised for their adaptability, dedication, and resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. Teachers went above and beyond, often providing not just academic instruction but emotional support, stability, and a sense of normalcy for students and their families. For a brief moment, society recognized that teachers are much more than people who stand at the front of a classroom—they are the backbone of communities, nurturing the holistic development of children.

However, this newfound respect was short-lived. As schools reopened, teachers sought fair compensation and recognition for their efforts through strikes and negotiations, which quickly soured public perception. Instead of being celebrated, teachers were criticized and blamed for disrupting students' learning, despite the fact that many of these disruptions were symptoms of deeper systemic issues rather than the fault of the educators themselves.

The Shocking Reality of Pressure in Schools

The tragic suicide of a headteacher after her school received the lowest possible Ofsted rating brought to light the extreme pressures educators face. This heartbreaking incident was not just a personal tragedy but a stark reminder of the toxic environment that can permeate the education sector. It underscored the immense stress placed on teachers and school leaders to meet often unrealistic standards, with little regard for their mental health or the broader implications for school communities.

These pressures force many teachers to ask themselves: Is it worth it? Is this profession worth sacrificing my health, my time with family, my mental well-being, and ultimately, my sense of self? For many, the answer is increasingly "no," contributing to the relentless turnover and a growing recruitment crisis.

Reimagining the Future of Teaching

As someone still committed to the profession, I firmly believe teaching is one of the most impactful and rewarding careers in the world. However, we cannot ignore the fact that the current system is unsustainable. To retain talented educators and attract new ones, we need a fundamental shift in how we view, support, and value teachers. Here are some key areas that need urgent attention:

1. Empowering Teachers: Teachers need the freedom to be creative and innovative in their classrooms. This means reducing the focus on rigid accountability measures and instead encouraging teachers to explore new teaching methods, engage in action research, and continuously refine their practice.
   

2. Professional Development: Opportunities for growth should be a cornerstone of the teaching profession. Schools should provide time, resources, and support for teachers to pursue advanced skills, engage in meaningful professional development, and become leaders in their field—not just in administrative capacities but as masters of their craft.
   

3. Supportive Leadership: School leaders play a crucial role in shaping the work environment. They must be mindful of their language and actions, fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and genuine care for staff well-being. This means prioritizing teacher mental health, providing constructive feedback, and creating opportunities for teachers to thrive rather than merely survive.
   

4. Government and Policy Support: The government must take a proactive role in supporting the teaching profession. This involves not just increasing pay or reducing workloads but also implementing policies that acknowledge the complexities of teaching and provide sustainable career pathways that allow educators to grow without having to leave the classroom.
   
   

The Way Forward

The revolving door of teacher retention will not slow down unless we make these changes. It’s time to reimagine the future of teaching as a profession that values innovation, prioritizes well-being, and recognizes the profound impact teachers have on society. We owe it to our educators, our students, and our communities to create an environment where teachers are not just surviving but thriving, inspired, and empowered to make a difference every day. Only then can we hope to retain the dedicated individuals who choose to stay and attract the next generation of passionate educators to the classroom.

"My Teaching Routine" book takes you on a journey. It's not a linear book or one with a fixed narrative sequence which requires you to start at the beginning. The book takes you through different phases of the classroom and gets you to think about each stage and process."