The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Australian teachers are dissatisfied with their jobs but their sense of professional belonging is strong

  • Written by Kelly-Ann Allen, Associate Professor, School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University
Australian teachers are dissatisfied with their jobs but their sense of professional belonging is strong

Teachers around Australia are preparing to head back to the classroom for 2023. But amid excitement about a new school year, there are ongoing concerns about teacher shortages[1] and headlines saying kids are “falling behind[2]” and education strategies are not working[3].

We are education researchers who study teachers’ perceptions of their work in Australia. Last year, we conducted a national survey[4] of 5,000 teachers, asking them about their careers. We found a growing number of teachers are not satisfied with their jobs and a large majority are planning to leave the profession.

But it was not all bad news. Almost 80% of those we surveyed reported a sense of belonging to teaching.

Read more: Jason Clare has a draft plan to fix the teacher shortage. What needs to stay and what should change?[5]

Job satisfaction

We found teachers are increasingly unhappy in their jobs. In our 2019 survey of Australian teachers, 65.6% of respondents said they were satisfied with their work. In 2022, that number dropped to 45.8%.

Teachers tell us this significant drop is because they feel unappreciated. They report a growing workload[6] - in part thanks to increasing administrative demands – and a lack of respect from the community. According to one respondent:

the time taken in keeping records of everything has increased exponentially.

Another teacher told us:

I am burnt out. I cannot do my job well with all the demands placed upon me.

Perhaps then it is no surprise that only 27.6% of respondents said they planned to stay in the profession until they retired. Almost 20% said they would leave within five years.

Read more: 'They phone you up during lunch and yell at you' – why teachers say dealing with parents is the worst part of their job[7]

The importance of belonging

Against this negative background, our survey results offered a ray of hope. Almost 80% of respondents reported a strong sense of belonging to the teaching profession.

Teacher marking assignments.
Teachers report increasing workloads and decreasing levels of satisfaction. Shutterstock

Our survey found several factors contribute to this. The biggest positive influences were teachers’ relationships and connections with colleagues and students. Many teachers feel a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie with their colleagues. As one survey respondent said:

Teachers are usually incredibly warm, passionate, positive people who want the best for their workmates and our shared students.

Teachers also valued their relationships with students. Seeing students learn and succeed reaffirmed their sense of purpose. As one teacher told us:

You get emotionally invested in ensuring the students develop.

Another respondent said they were boosted by moments when students “have that ‘aha moment’”

and tell you about their day and what they love about coming to school, as well as trusting you with personal matters.

We also found supportive school systems and policies contributed to a sense of belonging. This includes flexibility in the curriculum and opportunities for teachers to be “heard”.

On top of this, many teachers pointed to the importance of job security. Permanent teachers tend to feel more belonging than contract teachers, thanks to the security of their positions.

[E]very year, as soon as term 3 started, I would be thinking of applying again and started feeling I don’t belong here anymore. My current position is ongoing and it definitely is a big boost.

Barriers to belonging

When we asked teachers what harmed their sense of belonging, common responses included a lack of respect, unrealistic expectations, and a lack of support.

Many teachers felt their profession was not valued or respected by the general public. They pointed to common misconceptions about being a teacher. As one teacher explained:

Non-teachers assume they know what it is like to be a teacher because they have been a student in a school, I do not think I know what it is like to be a dentist because I have been and had my teeth cleaned.

Respondents also felt that negative media coverage[8] about schools and teachers affected their sense of belonging. They said they were often made to feel like “babysitters” rather than professionals.

Read more: No wonder no one wants to be a teacher: world-first study looks at 65,000 news articles about Australian teachers[9]

What now?

Some teachers in our study report feelings of being overwhelmed and under-compensated, and are considering leaving the field. But our research also shows how much the profession means to them, which suggests there is an opportunity here.

With better support and more understanding of what their complex roles involve, there is great potential to address the teacher shortage. And make teaching a much more satisfying job.

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of Dr Mehdi Moharami to the research presented in this article.

Read more https://theconversation.com/australian-teachers-are-dissatisfied-with-their-jobs-but-their-sense-of-professional-belonging-is-strong-196223

The Times Features

Move over mānuka – here are 5 other delicious native NZ honeys to try this summer

As I write, the summer landscape is bright with pōhutukawa flowers. Sitting in the shade of the “New Zealand Christmas tree”, I can hear bees humming as they move between flowe...

Women are closing in on men when it comes to ultra-endurance events

Men are dominant at most athletic events but ultra-endurance sports (exercising for six hours or more) represent a unique domain where the performance gap between men and women...

Why Expert Plumbing Services Are a Must for Every Aussie Home

Plumbing problems can throw a spanner in the works, especially when you’ve got plans. That’s where calling in an expert plumber makes all the difference. Picture this. You’re firi...

Fast, Fun, And Fantastic Looking Gel Polish For Your Nails!

Today's women spend a lot of time and money on their beauty and fashion regime because they love looking their very best! Looking good makes you feel good, and let's face it, it...

Energy-Efficient Roof Restoration Trends to Watch in Sydney

As climate consciousness rises and energy costs soar, energy-efficient roof restoration has become a significant focus in Sydney. Whether you're renovating an old roof or enhan...

Brisbane Water Bill Savings: Practical Tips to Reduce Costs

Brisbane residents have been feeling the pinch as water costs continue to climb. With increasing prices, it's no wonder many households are searching for ways to ease the burde...

Times Magazine

The Power of Tech in Business and How Mobile Solutions are Changing the Game

Technology is not just an option but a necessity, particularly in today’s fast-paced business world. From mobile apps to cloud-based accounting software, businesses are now more tech-driven than ever. Whether you are running a small local operation...

The Benefits of Buying Backlinks

Backlinks are a robust foundation of your SEO strategy, helping with page rankings and your visibility to potential visitors. While buying backlinks can be a good short-term strategy, can it get you into trouble? Well, sometimes. One of the best st...

Powering the Future: Innovations in Gas and Electricity

Powering the Future: Innovations in Compare Gas and Electricity" is a book that provides an in-depth exploration of the latest advancements and technologies in the energy sector. The book delves into the history of gas and electricity, while showca...

Prestons ranked Australia’s worst suburb for parcel theft

Shocking new data reveals that parcel theft claims have more than doubled this year, with Prestons in New South Wales named the worst suburb. This year there’s been a 59% increase in claims for parcel loss with a wider range of people lodging ...

Essential Tips for Selecting the Best Bike Racks for Your Needs

Bike racks for surfers have grown in popularity in recent years, catering to the special needs of this niche industry. Surfers can use these racks to transport their boards to and from the beach without needing a larger vehicle or the inconvenience...

Boost Your Fitness Goals with an Online Supplement Store in Singapore

Welcome to the online supplement store Singapore! You have stumbled upon a fantastic platform that offers a diverse range of supplements, vitamins, and nutritional products to support your health and fitness goals. At our store, we are dedicated to...

LayBy Shopping