Two in five people think they would be a good teacher but low pay and workload deters them, unions say

Nearly half of us believe we would make a good teacher, a survey has found – but many of those interested in taking up the profession are just not entering classrooms.

A “crushing” workload, low pay and “attacks on professionalism” are behind the low uptake, unions have said.

Two in four people say they possess the traits needed to be a successful teacher, according to the research carried out on behalf of the government’s Get Into Teaching campaign.

But recent statistics revealed that the government has missed its targets for the number of teachers being trained in most secondary school subjects despite millions of pounds being spent on advertising.

Fewer than half (47 per cent) of the trainees required were recruited in physics and just a quarter of the design and technology trainees required were taken on, the figures show.

Teaching unions say individuals are still being deterred from the profession because of negative stories around quality of life for teachers, accountability and school funding.

The latest survey, of more than 3,000 people, found that nearly two thirds of the respondents (64 per cent) would choose a different career path if they could pick again.

Meanwhile, more than half (53 per cent) would probably or definitely change their existing occupation.

More than a third of all those considering switching careers are seeking wellbeing – having a career they enjoy while staying healthy and happy – and a more stable income or better paid role.

The government campaign says the appetite to change careers is highlighted by the registrations of interest in teaching from potential career changers. Last January, 10,952 career changers registered an interest in teaching, compared to 6,079 students or graduates.

Andrew Morris, of the National Education Union (NEU), said: “It’s a shame that the Department for Education (DfE) didn’t ask people why they don’t go into teaching despite thinking they could do a good job.

“The government has just missed its recruitment targets for secondary teachers for the sixth year running. Tackling excessive workload, ending the punitive inspection system and improving pay would all help persuade more people into teaching.”

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, said: “It’s interesting that while two-fifths of people feel they would make a good teacher, we are still faced with a recruitment crisis. Perhaps these individuals are put off by the stories we often see about teachers suffering from burnout due to crushing workloads and attacks on their professionalism.

“If teachers’ pay and working conditions do not recognise them as professionals then it will not be possible to recruit and retain a high-quality teaching workforce. The DfE may be rejoicing the fact that so many people feel they could be a teacher, but if they don’t actually follow through with this, there is nothing to celebrate.”

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “Right now, workload, accountability and insufficient funding is a three-headed dragon that is turning a dream job into a nightmare for many school leaders and their teams. With commitment and proper funding that dragon can be slayed."

He added: “We know the appetite to enter the profession exists. Match that with a good work life balance, professional respect and appropriate pay and the rest will fall into place.”

Roger Pope, spokesperson for Get Into Teaching, said: “Our research highlights just how many people in this country are at a career crossroads and have an itch to switch, but clearly they feel there are barriers to overcome. A large proportion of people believe they would make a good teacher and see the draw and rewards of a career that can have an impact on so many.”

Education secretary Damian Hinds is set to launch a teacher recruitment and retention strategy in the upcoming months – which is due to make it easier for people to try their hand in the classroom.

Mr Hinds said: “The fact that that two in five people think they have what it takes to be a teacher is fantastic and I want to give these people to opportunity to see what it is like standing in front of a class. As part of our recruitment and retention strategy we are working on a programme to help interested people discover what a joy teaching can be.”