Highly regarded educator Professor Michael Fullan recently commented on what can be done in the U.S. to raise the profile of the teaching profession. The comments also have relevance to the respect shown to the profession in Australia. “When you look at Finland, Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong, all of which have high quality…
Teacher Morale At 20 Year Low in U.S. – Australia Too?
The New York Times reports that teacher morale in the United States is at a 20 year low and I believe that may be the case in Australia too. Key Factors Contributing to Low Teacher Morale A number of factors are contributing to reduced levels of teacher morale. Change fatigue, increased levels of accountability, high…
Awesome Response to World Teachers’ Day
World Teachers’ Day 2012 will be special for over 8000 teachers across Australia. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of leaders in Happy Schools, over 8000 teachers across Australia will receive a handwritten note of thanks to mark World Teachers’ Day. The response to our offer of FREE postcards for schools who subscribe to receive…
Low Teacher Morale in UK
This week the Guardian newspaper reported low morale in UK schools with many teachers saying that they feel demoralised and overworked. The survey suggests that they also felt that they face constant criticism and unrealistic expectations. “The YouGov poll of 852 teachers commissioned by the National Union of Teachers found that 42% of respondents rated…
Teachers Are NOT Widgets
The vast majority of teachers in Australia DO NOT get enough feedback. This adds to teacher stress! 9 out of 10 teachers when asked if they are doing a good job respond, “Well I think so! Nobody has said I’m not!” This is a sad indictment on the teaching profession and I believe one of…
“You Made A Difference” – Video campaign to raise teacher morale
Who was your favourite teacher? Was there one particular teacher who had a profound impact on you? In recognition of these great teachers we are encouraged to write a note to them or upload a video thanking them for the impact they had on our lives. The “You Made a Difference” campaign is an AWESOME…
“The Most Honorable of ALL Professions”
99% of adults when asked what is the most important thing in their life will reply ‘their family’. For the vast majority of people, the well-being of our children is our most prized possession, more valuable than our house and our car. Parents entrust their most prized possession in the care of staff who work…
Raising the Status of Teaching
Even President Obama has recognised the need to raise the status of teaching. “In South Korea, teachers are known as ‘nation builders,’ and I think it’s time we treated our teachers with the same level of respect,” Mr. Obama said in a speech on education on Monday. Obama’s comments came in response to a report…