Commenting on a report by the House of Commons Education
Committee published today (Tuesday 21 February), Dr Mary Bousted,
general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers
(ATL), said: “ATL welcomes this report, showing that it’s
listened to the voice of those in our profession.
“Our evidence around the confusion of initial teacher training
routes as a barrier to prospective students, to excessive
workload during training, and the lack of any review around the
impact of bursaries are reflected in this report. We hope that
this will prompt an in-depth look at how initial teacher
education can better attract, prepare and retain students who
will become excellent teachers in our schools.
“We also welcome the recognition of the vital issue of teacher
retention. Not only are more teachers leaving the profession, but
as the report learned, more are doing so for reasons other than
retirement. With 48% of teachers in the profession for less than
10 years, this retention issue is key, not just because of the
need for teachers in the classroom, but also in terms of
providing leadership and professional support for the new
teachers we so desperately need. With fewer subject specialists
every year, increased in-school initial training, losing
experienced specialist teachers will have a hugely negative
impact on the skill and knowledge-base within the profession.
“This report is clear that the Government and Ofsted must review
their policies which are increasing teacher workload. They must
also look to move from vague words of support for CPD to
something far more concrete – through a clear entitlement for
teachers to CPD and targeted funding to ensure that they have the
time and access to opportunities. This might not solve this
teacher shortage crisis in a day, but it’s a very good place to
start.”
