England's Teacher Crisis

[xoxoxoBruce]

"More than 50% of teachers in England plan to quit in next two years"

The survey, conducted by the National Union of Teachers, found 61% of those wanting to leave blamed workload and 57% desired a better work/life balance.

Two thirds of the 1,020 primary and secondary school teachers questioned felt morale in the profession had declined over the past five years.

Schools minister Nick Gibb pledged to tackle excessive workloads.

The findings of the survey are timely, because last month the five main teaching unions warned of a crisis in recruitment and retention, although the government maintains the vacancy rate has stayed stable at about 1%.

The survey, undertaken with a representative sample of teachers, also suggested many were unhappy with some of the government's plans.
◾76% said forcing schools that require improvement to become academies would damage education
◾62% said the plans for 500 new free schools would also damage education
◾54% were not confident the new baseline test for four-year-olds would provide valid information about a child's ability.

This would be serious if it comes to pass.