United Kingdom

Public gives teachers a glowing report

A recent survey finds public perceptions of teachers, and of teaching as a career, are quite surprising

Until recently, those in the profession, spurred on by negative stereotypes in the media and a lack of government support, have often believed the public did not have a very high opinion of teachers. A number of studies in the early 1990s helped to emphasise this, with recurring themes of low status, poor pay, and problems with teacher numbers. However, according to the findings of a recent survey, these myths should be reconsidered.

Published last month by Cambridge University's Faculty of Education, the results of a survey of nearly 2,000 members of the public makes for interesting reading. Instigated in 2002 by the then Department for Education and Skills, the four-year study attempts to assess in depth what the public thinks about teachers. Author Dr Linda Hargreaves admits that she is surprised by some of the perceptions.

First, the study found that 50% of the public think teaching is an attractive career, a higher percentage than expected. Second, men - especially older men aged over 55 (the survey divided people into three age groups: 16-24 years, 25-54 years and 55-plus) - are most likely to see teaching as an attractive career. Third, the survey found no obvious difference in the comparative status accorded to primary and secondary teachers.

FULL STORY

Sourced from: The Guardian

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Last Modified: 07 Nov 2007