As we step into a new year feeling (hopefully) inspired and motivated, I wanted to share my education wish list for 2024. It's common to want things for ourselves, things we aspire to do or to have, but there's also nothing wrong with reflecting on something and wanting change beyond our control. Educators reflect day in and day out, so I only thought it was natural that I'd share my feelings with you based on the happenings and educational events of 2023.
1) Revamping (and if not, scrapping) OFSTED for the Better
The elephant in every staffroom, OFSTED, is up for review following the devastating suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry earlier this year. My hope is not just for a review but for substantial improvements. Let's transform it into a tool for actionable reforms, a support system for schools rather than a source of unnecessary stress and dread. We don't want children to dread it when we come to help them, so why should a government agency cause such dreaded reactions within staff? Imagine an OFSTED that uplifts, inspires, and collaborates with educators, fostering an environment where both students and teachers flourish. Also, that reductionist word rating to judge a school has to go. It's so outdated! (Wow, look at this for controversy on only blog post #2. Are you here for it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below).
2) Addressing the Teacher Retention Crisis with Empathy
2023 was the year of multiple teacher strikes. Teachers stood up for themselves, what they believed was required by the government to change and be improved and we made education come to a standstill to make a point. It hasn't contributed to the teacher retention crisis though and teachers are still leaving left, right and centre. Instead of pointing fingers and criticising teachers, I hope we get listened to and for relevant ministers to ask themselves: What drives them away? Why are they leaving? What are they telling us and how can we acknowledge and address these problems? What changes can be implemented to make teaching not just a job but a fulfilling and sustainable career? By understanding the root causes, I'd love to think that schools will become places where not only pupils thrive, but where educators thrive too, and students only benefit as a result.
3) Minimising Unnecessary Workload for Teachers
Linked to this is the unnecessary workload placed on teachers. Yes, times have changed and our roles have evolved as a result, but don't tell me you've never experienced the classic staff meeting that could've been an email! A large portion of the complaints about teachers pay and a factor into poor teacher retention is the unnecessary workload. When there's a reason for it, we understand and although I'm sure we'd be happier if we got paid the overtime (lol, imagine), we get stuck in and complete it. It's the tasks that seem to be making checklists, lists of tasks or meetings for the sake of it. Our time is and mental wellbeing is more important than ticking off something to say to HR it's been done. Some of the things that can be improved (in my opinion) are streamlining communication and re-evaluating the necessity of certain tasks - prioritising the well-being of educators, so that we can be present, healthy and consistent for the pupils. A happy teacher means a happy, thriving classroom and pupils.
4) Guidelines for Empowering Teacher Interviews
Now this is where my wishlist gets rather niche. As you can tell, Petite Primary is heavily focused on supporting trainee and qualified teachers in securing jobs. Well, teacher interviews can be nerve-wracking, and the fact that the tasks and interview lessons can vary so much between trusts and schools, definitely does not help. Imagine if teachers had clear guidelines on what they could expect or be asked of during the interview process. I'm not even referring to the interview questions themselves, but even just the tasks. No more letting nervous ECTs worry themselves silly over a "20 minute literacy task," or a "10 minute unseen task that you do not need to prepare in advance for." Then, you also have the interview tasks themselves. Is it fair to ask some candidates to prepare two 1 hour lessons for 60 children in total of varying needs, while some only have to teach six children for 30 minutes? Is it fair that some get guaranteed TA support while others don't? From understanding school culture to probing into professional development opportunities, these guidelines can empower teachers to make perform better in interviews and truly represent their personalities and capabilities rather than falling at hurdles they were never prepared or trained for.
5) Consistency in Teacher Training Support
Teacher training providers play a pivotal role in shaping the educators of tomorrow. However again, the support provided during the job interview process varies widely. It's time for more consistency. Every aspiring teacher should have access to resources and guidance to navigate the interview landscape, ensuring a fair and equitable start to their teaching journey and this is something that the government should look into. There are so many guidelines to ensure that interviews are inclusive and accessible to all and that there are equal opportunities, but if trainees from X university had ample support and hours of guidance, vs. a trainee from Y SCITT received no support, is that fair and equal?
In conclusion, I hope that 2024 is reserved for a time of positive transformations in education. It's a call for collaboration, empathy, equal opportunities, consistency, prioritisation of wellbeing in a career that can be demanding and tough to access.
Here's to a year of growth, support, and positive change in the world of education!
Let me know your thoughts and what you hope for 2024 in education!
Annelies,
Founder, Petite Primary
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