When the general public was asked to rank professions by opportunities for career progression, teaching came towards the bottom (beating only journalism and careers in human resources). Two-thirds (66 per cent) of graduates interviewed thought teaching offered slow career progression and limited chances of promotion.
Nothing could be further from the truth. These negative perceptions are in stark contrast to the reality experienced by today’s teachers. In recent research from the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services, 81 per cent of teachers said they felt there were plenty of opportunities to progress and nearly half of those under the age of 29 aspired to be head teachers.
Perceptions of salary are also wholly out of touch with reality. Over 80 per cent of final year students under-estimate the starting salary of a teacher, some believing it to be under half the actual wage. And over a quarter of students thought the starting salary in inner London would be £19,000 or lower when, in reality, newly qualified teachers can expect to earn £26,000.
What’s more, according to Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA), the starting salary for teachers in London is over £6,000 per annum higher than the national average, £19,677. This tops starting salaries in engineering, architecture and careers in science in the capital. The salary for teachers outside London is almost £1,500 higher than the national average.
Graham Holley, Chief Executive of the TDA, said:
“With teaching recruiting record numbers of people in 2009 the profession is attracting increasing numbers of top quality graduates and career changers. As a result it is becoming more and more competitive. It is no longer just a safe job that is alright for a fall-back. It is a profession with increasing status that is getting harder to get into, year by year, because more of the most talented people in this country are turning to it as their first choice.
“I’d urge anyone who thinks they have what it takes to teach, to go to the national Train to Teach recruitment events in Manchester, Birmingham or London to find out more.”
Train to Teach events are an opportunity for those interested in a career in teaching to find out more and meet training providers and teachers in their region. The free events are taking place in Manchester, London and Birmingham:
- 26th and 27th February, North, Manchester Central, Exchange Hall
- 5th and 6th March, London & South East, London Science Museum
- 19th & 20th March, Midlands, Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum
To find out more or to pre-register for a Train to Teach event, please visit www.teach.gov.uk/traintoteach
