State of Education Report 2017 state-of-education-booklet-Final-WEB | Page 40

Positivity and purpose remain at the heart of the
school system
There are challenges ahead for all those working within the school
system, and much uncertainty and change to get to grips with over
the coming years.
But when we asked school leaders what remains great about working
in education, we see a profession that is dedicated to young people
and the difference that can be made in schools. Time and time again,
school leaders tell us they relish the challenge of their role, and the
opportunity to improve the life chances of their pupils so that they
become the best they can be. Many school leaders simply say that
“This report is important as it confirms assumptions
about the concerns that affect our profession. It
is heartening to read that teachers are inspired by
their work, although the pressure they experience
to work intolerably hard is evident. It is my hope
that the work of the Chartered College of Teaching
can begin to address workload by enabling
teachers and school leaders to take brave decisions
informed by evidence about aspects of their work
that they may choose to do less of in order that we
can all achieve more.”
Professor Dame Alison Peacock
CEO - Chartered College of Teaching
the best thing about their job is “the children”.
“I love the daily
challenge and
opportunity to
make a difference.”
“For me it is a calling,
not a job. That light-
bulb moment and that
smile is the reason I do
this job.”
We also asked school leaders to describe how their job makes them
feel, in three words. Exhausted, rewarded, privileged, overwhelmed,
over-emotional, proud, tired, lucky and happy come up often.
STATE OF EDUCATION 2017 | WWW.STATEOFED.THEKEYSUPPORT.COM
“I absolutely love my school and I’ve only ever worked
in this school. When I get there it feels like my second
home. You get so attached to the children that you
teach, you want the best for them and you worry about
them. Our headteacher says to each new member of
staff, treat each child as if they’re your own. That’s
when you get the most out of teaching.”
Alessandra Desbottes
Assistant headteacher – Ulverston Victoria High School
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