The National Audit Office finds vast majority of secondary school headteachers feel the government is failing to help them with high-quality teacher recruitment.
Before the ink was barely dry on that headline, a survey of 1,023 ex-teachers commissioned by the DfE found that 75% of ex-teachers cited workload as the reason they quit the profession. Changes in policy or initiatives by the government was the second biggest factor, and feeling undervalued by their leadership team was the third.
Since 2015, I have made sure I have taken advantage of this opportunity. I now lead a school where I have the authority to host a Staff and Students Stars annoymous form on our website. It is hard to think of a school event that beats delivering one of those messages to the recipient.
So here lies our opportunity. World Teachers’ Day is held annually on 5 October and commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. “The 1966 Recommendation constitutes the main reference framework for addressing teachers’ rights and responsibilities on a global scale.” In case you were wondering… This year’s slogan “Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers” echoing the 2015 theme “Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies.” For quick reference the official artwork link is here.
To paraphrase @Josie_Kitchiner
Where else can you leave work feeling like a superhero, without having to don the lycra #WhyITeach– Josie Kitchiner October 5, 2015
So here are three customisable #WTD17 postcards for you to simply run through the photocopier on card and have written for your staff. One based on the official artwork artwork, one on the Sir John Jones magic weaving business (weave) and finally a simple apple for the teacher. You can customise the postcard, adding you own kicker statement and school logo if you wish. Don’t miss the opportunity to thank your staff, or provide students or parents with the opportunity to thank their staff.
Final point, as if it needs saying… resist the temptation to add a prefab statement and practice your penmanship.
TEACHING IN FREEDOM,
EMPOWERING TEACHERS
www.worldteachersday.org
#worldteachersday