93% of teachers say their students have had a positive influence on their outlook on life and 92% say they’ve learnt more about themselves from working with young people than they ever thought they would.
The survey of 1,250 teachers in England was carried out for Get Into Teaching, the national campaign aimed at encouraging people to consider teaching as a career. It explores the life “lessons” teachers themselves say they learn from their interactions with students.
The findings coincide with the launch of a new online video of teachers across the country revealing the life “lessons” they have learnt from working with young people.
Harrison Moore, 29, a history teacher who stars in the new video, said: “My role as a teacher is unique in that I get to inspire the next generation while I’m also learning through all the interactions with my students. Teaching can be hard work, but it’s fulfilling knowing that I’m playing an important part in young people’s lives and in a role with opportunities for me to grow and develop as a person too.
“For me, one of the most memorable life lessons I think my students have taught me is that learning can always be an enjoyable experience, for both me and my students. Teaching isn't just projecting information at students, but immersing them in my subject and making abstract history a tangible thing that students can learn from, debate, challenge and question. I have learnt that lots of lessons evolve in the moment based on that energy and enthusiasm.”
Roger Pope, spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign, said: “We know how much impact a teacher has, shaping the lives of the next generation, but this research shines a light on how much you stand to gain as a teacher in terms of the personal growth opportunities too. It’s reaffirming to see that the vast majority of teachers credit their interactions with students for having a positive influence on their outlook on life – indeed most teachers learn more about themselves from working with young people than they ever thought they would.
“At a time when many final year university students and recent graduates will be exploring their future career options, I would encourage anyone with a motivation to learn, grow and develop as a person, whilst doing something that matters, to consider teaching.”
As a teacher, you can help create a society where everyone, wherever they live, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, education or age has the opportunity to succeed.
Tax-free bursaries of up to £27,000 to train as a teacher are available in selected subjects, and as a newly qualified teacher you’ll start on a minimum salary of £28,000 to £34,000, depending on location.
To find out more visit: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk or call the Get Into Teaching line on 0800 389 2500.
