How to Make Teaching an Attractive Career Choice
The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highest numbers since data collection began.
Schools in England have long faced a teacher supply issue. Government research indicates that teacher numbers have failed to keep pace with pupil numbers since 2011, with the issue being most severe in secondary schools. Education Policy Institute (EPI) findings show that secondary school pupil numbers are projected to rise, intensifying existing pressures. Attracting talented teachers to a career in schools remains a pressing concern, particularly for schools with rising pupil enrolments or staff approaching retirement age.
While the government tries to address areas of teacher recruitment through bursaries and scholarships, many believe more can be done to make teaching an attractive career choice for graduates and career changers.
A Prospects Luminate survey questioned students and graduates about what puts them off teaching as a career and what might make it more appealing. Half (51%) indicated that they had considered a teaching career but were deterred for these reasons:
- challenging student behaviour
- a lack of enjoyment for the role
- the heavy workload that teachers have
Just under one in ten (9%) cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a deterrent, feeling teachers weren’t adequately supported during this period.
Strategies for attention
How can schools make teaching an attractive career choice? Schools employ various strategies to make teaching an attractive profession. Many aim to support teacher wellbeing and improve job satisfaction. These could include:
Technology and tools
Investing in technology and teaching resources can create an engaging classroom environment for educators and learners. Tools including Quizlet, Google Forms, and Diagnostic Questions can save teachers time and reduce workload. A McKinsey report suggests that technology could handle up to 40% of teacher tasks, freeing up more time for direct engagement with students.
Workload
The government has noted workload as “the most frequently cited reason for teachers wanting to leave the profession” and has stated that it “is too high and must be reduced.” In 2018, the Government published a Workload Reduction Toolkit. The online resources included advice, tools, and case studies for school leaders to alleviate workload burdens.
The second 2023 Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) review looked at approaches to managing workload, emphasising its importance in making teaching attractive. The report states that teachers in schools with workload reduction strategies were more likely to express positivity about workload, autonomy, and job satisfaction. Addressing this issue and improving work-life balance can make teaching more attractive.
Beyond workload
Reducing teacher workload alone does not reduce turnover (Cohen 2005; See et al. 2020). Some studies highlight school environment factors, with school leadership often viewed as influential in determining the school ethos and working conditions.
Working environment
Improving the school working environment is one way to make teaching attractive. A positive working environment promotes teachers’ job satisfaction. Collaborative practices can reduce feelings of isolation and increase job satisfaction:
- peer coaching
- mentoring
- collaborative activities
Teachers who are satisfied with their jobs are less susceptible to stress and burnout (Kyriacou 2001). This contributes to teacher wellbeing, and enhanced status of teaching (Toropova, Myrberg & Johansson 2021).
Wellbeing
Stress and burnout contribute to absenteeism and resignations. An indicator of a healthy work environment is low absenteeism. This can be addressed at school level by implementing strategies to promote mental and physical health.
In England, teacher wellbeing and mental health are education policy priorities in the Education Staff and Wellbeing Charter in 2021. It pledged to support teachers’ wellbeing by addressing workload and embedding wellbeing in teacher training.
Leadership support
Related to school working conditions are school leaders’ practices and administrative support. US studies on working conditions (Johnson, Kraft & Papay 2012) show the role of leadership support in influencing the school's working environment. They set the tone, culture, and ethos of the school.
The third Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) review, explores evidence based on school leadership for teacher retention. Effective leadership strategies to motivate teachers include:
- prioritising teacher development
- building a support system
- promoting collegiality
- maintaining a positive school climate a supportive and collaborative work environment
Regular check-ins, mentorship programmes, and a culture that values staff wellbeing can make a significant difference.
Work-Life balance
Teachers need time to recharge. Schools can introduce flexible working, reduce unnecessary admin, and ensure workloads are manageable. It can encourage a healthier work-life balance.
Flexible teaching
In 2023, three reports published by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) explored flexible working, workload, leadership and culture as part of their 2023 research on teacher recruitment and retention. The first report claims that flexible working could improve teacher retention. Part-time or flexible working arrangements help make teaching an attractive career choice. Flexibility assists with wellbeing and helps create a diverse and inclusive workplace. It enables more people to teach.
Support staff
Teaching assistants (TAs) provide support to teachers and pupils. Besides helping reduce teacher workload they:
- give learning support
- help with classroom management
- support pupils with SEND
Supply teachers are also a vital resource for schools to fill teacher shortages, absences, and vacancies.
Tutors and tutoring programmes
Tutors give pupils individual attention they won’t get in a classroom. For disadvantaged pupils who cannot afford private tutoring, this helps raise attainment. Programmes like the National Tutoring Programme (NTP) can alleviate teacher workload; knowing there is support for learners who need it can help make teaching an attractive career choice.
Salaries and benefits
Offering competitive salaries is fundamental. Beyond that, providing comprehensive benefits packages, including pensions, healthcare, and opportunities for professional development, makes teaching more appealing.
Career progression and continuous professional development (CPD)
Teachers need ample opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills. CPD helps teachers grow in their careers and stay updated in education. Clear pathways for career advancement help attract teachers. Today’s educators need to know their careers can grow through:
- leadership roles
- subject specialisms
- study opportunities
- pursuing advanced degrees
- attending workshops
Opportunities for non-teaching staff and teaching assistants to move into teaching roles are also beneficial. Greenleas Primary School in Leighton Buzzard has an inspiring story where Rebecca Clarke worked her way up from dinner lady to headteacher. This is a testament to the school’s commitment to career progression and a supportive work environment.
Teaching must be competitive with other occupations in attracting talented and motivated people. It is not a matter of having enough teachers; it is the quality of those teachers. Attracting the best educators and leaders, motivating them throughout their teaching careers and enabling them to use their skills is what makes a successful education system.
These examples show how schools help make teaching more attractive. In the quest to inspire the next generation, schools play a role in shaping the future of education. Headteachers and educational leaders must cultivate a work environment that attracts and retains top teaching talent.
Are you looking to begin, or expand your career in teaching? To help transform the lives of pupils nationwide, register here.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Barnsley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
KS2 - Year 4
Location
South Yorkshire
Description
Exciting Opportunities for KS2 Teachers in Barnsley and Sheffield! Are you a passionate and dedicated KS2 teacher looking to make a meaningful impact on young learners? Join our dynamic and supportive
Reference
sc47667
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£21k - 22k per year
Location free text
West Sussex
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
Sector
Special Needs
Location
West Sussex
Description
Join Our Team as a Secondary Learning Support Assistant in Horsham!Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? Do you have the dedication and compassion to support pupil
Reference
LSA26
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£85 - 95 per day
Location free text
Crowborough
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Special Needs
Location
East Sussex
Description
Are you dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people? Do you have the empathy and commitment needed to support students with autism in achieving their full potential? If so, we
Reference
CrowbLSA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
North Lancing
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
SEN General
Location
West Sussex
Description
**Become a QTS Teacher with Us!**Are you dedicated to making a positive impact on students with diverse educational needs? Do you excel at creating personalized learning experiences tailored to each s
Reference
LT24;7;24LA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Doncaster
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£500 - £749 per week
Sector
Teacher
Location
Doncaster
Description
Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire Salary: Competitive, Dependent on Experience Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent Start Date: September 2024About Us: We are a thriving primary school located in t
Reference
AH2672
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£83.85 - 95.00 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Sheffield
Description
Teaching Assistants in Sheffield and Barnsley!Are you a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding role in Sheffield or Barnsley? Join our dynamic school communities and hel
Reference
sc55899
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£85 - 105 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Less than £500 per week
£500 - £749 per week
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Sheffield
Description
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with Special Educational Needs. Teaching Personnel is looking for dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistants to join our
Reference
jh2673
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£11.85 - 12.10 per hour
Location free text
Pembroke Dock
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Early Years SEN Support
Location
Pembrokeshire
Description
Nursery Practitioner- Hours: Full Time, 08:45 - 15:15, Monday to Friday- Start Date: As soon as possible! - Rate of Pay: £12.84 - £13.00 per hour, depending on the level of
Reference
JD/WEST/001
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Swansea Secondary & SENAuthor
Swansea Secondary & SENSalary
£157.66 - 206.00 per day + Additional Benefits
Location free text
Haverfordwest
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Other
Location
Pembrokeshire
Description
Supply Teacher Teaching Personnel are currently looking to recruit supply teachers to work across schools in the Haverfordwest area.You will be expected to help carry out the lesson plans by the teach
Reference
SAWW/JD/666
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Swansea Secondary & SENAuthor
Swansea Secondary & SENSalary
£12.91 - 12.91 per hour + Additional Benefits
Location free text
Swansea
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Swansea
Description
Gradudate Teaching AssistantTeaching Personnel are currently looking for keen individual looking for a way into the world of education.If you are a recent gradudate looking to start an exciting new ca
Reference
JD/SAWW/0078
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Swansea Secondary & SENAuthor
Swansea Secondary & SENRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
At the end of August, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining acc
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As the academic year peaks, the pressure of exams can overwhelm pupils. Many teachers believe that tests and exams have the biggest impact on students’ mental health. With GCSEs, SATs, and A-Levels
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Teaser
Multi-Academy TrustsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Laura Williams is an education leadership coach with fifteen years of leadership experience in education across business, operations, HR, finance and governance. She is a former Business Manager, CO
by
Scott Owen
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils is paramount in the age of evolving social dynamics. One issue that has gained significant attention in recent years is the distinction between
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD11YY
Summary
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson addressed the Labour Party conference in October, where she announced plans to reform primary maths. Currently, one in four children leave primary school
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job