Teaching inspires mismatched perceptions

Released 25/02/2010

Public perceptions at odds with reality of teaching salaries and career progression

Despite a sharp increase in the numbers of people entering the profession, teaching is still under-rated by the general public and final year students. New research by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) shows that both groups under-estimate the salaries that teachers actually earn and the opportunities they have for career progression. The research is being published to launch a major recruitment drive in the run-up to three national Train to Teach recruitment events across the country.

When the general public was asked to rank professions by opportunities for career progression, teaching came towards the bottom (beating only journalism and careers in human resources). Two-thirds (66 per cent) of graduates interviewed thought teaching offered slow career progression and limited chances of promotion.

These negative perceptions are in stark contrast to the reality experienced by today's teachers. In recent research from the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services, 81 per cent of teachers said they felt there were plenty of opportunities to progress and nearly half of those under the age of 29 aspired to be head teachers.

Perceptions of salary are also out of touch with reality. Over 80 per cent of final year students under-estimate the starting salary of a teacher, some believing it to be under half the actual wage. And over a quarter of students thought the starting salary in inner London would be £19,000 or lower when, in reality, newly qualified teachers can expect to earn £26,000.

According to Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA), the starting salary for teachers in London is over £6,000 per annum higher than the national average, £19,677. This tops starting salaries in engineering, architecture and careers in science in the capital. The salary for teachers outside London is almost £1,500 higher than the national average.

Graham Holley, Chief Executive of the TDA, said: "With teaching recruiting record numbers of people in 2009 the profession is attracting increasing numbers of top quality graduates and career changers. As a result it is becoming more and more competitive. It is no longer just a safe job that is alright for a fall-back. It is a profession with increasing status that is getting harder to get into, year by year, because more of the most talented people in this country are turning to it as their first choice.

"However, there is a danger that outdated and old-fashioned perceptions of teaching could continue to put off some candidates. Teaching offers more opportunities for career progression than any other career and competitive salaries, particularly for those who progress to senior leadership.

"I'd urge anyone who thinks they have what it takes to teach, to go to the national Train to Teach recruitment events in Manchester, Birmingham or London to find out more."

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