Teaching recruitment drive: Teachers praise professional opportunities
Last updated 08/03/2010 18:47:19
Teaching recruitment drive
Eight out of ten teachers see the opportunities in their profession as some of the best in the UK a new study suggests.
The research is being published to launch a major recruitment drive in the run-up to three national Train to Teach recruitment events across the country.
In recent research from the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services, 81% of teachers said they felt there were plenty of opportunities to progress and nearly half of those under the age of 29 aspired to be head teachers.
Graham Holley, Chief Executive of the Training and Development Agency for Schools TDA, said: "With teaching recruiting record numbers of people in 2009 the profession is attracting increasing numbers of top quality graduates and career changers. As a result it is becoming more and more competitive. It is no longer just a safe job that is alright for a fall-back. It is a profession with increasing status that is getting harder to get into, year by year, because more of the most talented people in this country are turning to it as their first choice."
Newly qualified teachers can expect to earn £26,000 and according to Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA), the starting salary for teachers in London is over £6,000 per annum higher than the national average, £19,677. The salary for teachers outside London is almost £1,500 higher than the national average.
Graham Holley added: "There is a danger that outdated and old-fashioned perceptions of teaching could continue to put off some candidates. Teaching offers more opportunities for career progression than any other career and competitive salaries, particularly for those who progress to senior leadership."
Wendy Greaves, Head of Maths at Kaskenmoor School in Oldham, Manchester was made redundant eight years ago by British Aerospace. "Making the move into teaching was one of the best decisions of my life," she said. "I've progressed to be head of department in just three years and hope to rise further as I become more experienced. It's not just the practical application of my subject that has helped me from my previous role; it's also more general workplace skills, like communication and management techniques."
Anne Byrne, Head Teacher at Lady Katherine Leveson C of E Primary School, near Solihull, Warwickshire became a head teacher at 30. "Teaching is a fantastic career for those with ambition," she said. "At 30, I am managing 33 staff, leading one of the top primary schools in the county and earning a wage that reflects the challenging and rewarding work that I do."
Events are being held to give people an opportunity for those interested in a career in teaching to find out more and meet training providers and teachers in their region. To find out more or to pre-register for a Train to Teach event, please visit www.teach.gov.uk/traintoteach
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