We must take this one simple first step towards halting the damaging exodus of teachers from our schools

Claire Hawtin is Director of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) at Coventry University Group’s National Institute for Teaching and Education (NITE). Ahead of UNESCO World Teachers’ Day on 5 October, she examines the theme of ‘valuing teachers' voices’ and explains how increasing appreciation and providing greater training and development for teachers will help to address the worryingly high drop-out rate in the profession.

According to the Department for Education’s 2023 School Workforce in England statistics, the teaching profession loses nearly a third of its workforce within five years of them starting. This statistic is deeply worrying and if we are to address the teacher retention crisis, we must first begin to realise the true value our educators.

This year’s theme for UNESCO World Teachers’ Day is ‘valuing teachers' voices’ and, as we mark the occasion, it is the perfect time for us to acknowledge that valued and motivated teachers perform better in their jobs and achieve greater learning outcomes for students. They do this while helping to generate a positive culture of learning – appreciated teachers are more inclined to collaborate and contribute to a supportive and productive educational environment.

This issue encompasses much more than improving the delivery of education. It is also a question of improving teacher wellbeing and welfare. As a nation, we need to recognise the incredible hard work, commitment and sacrifices so many teachers make on a day-to-day basis. Challenging the outdated public perception of short days and long holidays will help to change the narrative surrounding the profession. Feeling appreciated will not only improve job satisfaction but can go a long way in improving mental health and in making teaching a more sustainable career.

There are significant long-term benefits of valuing and developing teachers. The more effort we put into making teaching a supportive and valued profession today, the more likely we are to have passionate and motivated teachers tomorrow. We must put in the groundwork immediately though and this is exactly what Coventry University Group is doing through our National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE).

Prioritising development and wellbeing

Of course, leaders and decision makers must conduct a cost-benefit analysis when considering how best to train and retain teachers. With finite budgets and an ever-growing list of competing priorities, the time and money required for training and development can often make Continuous Professional Development seem like a luxury.

Compare the expense of undertaking a training course or qualification with the cost of advertising, recruiting and onboarding a new teacher, however, and the benefits of upskilling and developing our educators looks like excellent value. What may feel like an initial expense over time becomes a very smart investment. That is what is most important – showing teachers that their development is worth investing in, that they are valued and that they have a future in the profession.

Highly skilled and committed teachers are fundamental to the success and development of any society and it is essential that they receive the support and recognition that they have earned. We need well-trained, passionate and motivated educators in our schools and, to achieve this, we must finally give the profession the prestige it deserves.

Training to retain

Spearheading our mission to become a global university provider of teacher education, NITE is crucial in making teaching a more attractive and sustainable career choice. Through our school-based learning, support network and flexibility of study, we are actively addressing the challenges facing the profession and we are at the forefront of developing excellent teachers and school leaders on a global scale.

With a passion for providing robust support and professional development for teachers at all levels, we also provide mentorship and continuous learning opportunities that can help reduce burnout and improve retention. On-the-job training allows our students to develop new skills and techniques to boost resilience through the practical application of learning.

At NITE, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to support aspiring and current teachers and, in May, we were proud to join forces with National Professional Qualifications (NPQ) provider LLSE to do just that. We are working together on opportunities for a ‘one-stop shop’ for teacher qualifications, from Initial Teaching Training (ITT) through to NPQs, coaching and MAs specialising in SEND, mentoring, teaching and educational leadership.

Our approach isn’t limited to the UK, and we have developed a teacher training model that has expanded globally. Our International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) course began in September 2023 and enables us to train English-speaking teachers across the world.