Can School Leaders' accept that teachers' leaving by the droves is not a reflection on the profession but a reflection on them?

Can school leaders' accept that teachers' leaving by the droves is not a reflection on the profession but a reflection on them?

Whilst the DfE's position is to tackle workload as their main strategy to reduce work place stress, my view is that school leaders' values and school ethos needs to be examined and scrutinised as part of the inspection process. How robustly are teacher exit interviews conducted and used to improve processes?

Disclaimer: All views are my own.

I believe that any teacher faced with the decision of leaving or staying in the profession is influenced by the school leaders. Of course, there are personal circumstances that play a part in making these decisions but ultimately when it comes to the crunch... what is it that a leader can do to help a teacher 'keep the faith?'

It is widely understood and commonly accepted and respected that the teaching profession is tough. Each of these standards has to be demonstrated, exhibited and adhered to in the most professional way alongside acting in 'loco parentis.' After all, these standards are what teachers' performance is assessed against. I fully appreciate this accountability and have always expected these to be withheld with upmost integrity in myself as well as all colleagues. However, leaders' that hold these standards as a way of "managing" staff and expecting them to "just get on with it" is the single point of difference between a mediocre leader and an exceptional one! Do leaders, "lead" and "coach" teachers to success, or leave in "stuck" and "despair." In my experience, teachers will go to the end of the earth for you if you just take an interest in them as a person and their well-being.

Let's stop blaming and hiding behind the profession and take responsibility as leaders. No one said it's easy for school leaders - I've been one. I know. It is due to the investment in the welfare of the staff and the coaching models used, that made me and "us" successful in School Improvement work in a school in Special Measures. This is what OFSTED said about my leadership in a report last year after the second visit in that school's journey...

It's far too easy to hide behind political tensions and generalisations. Let's innovate our approaches and make every teacher matter! It will pay dividends.

Contact me so that you can hear more about how The Every Teacher Matters Project can benefit you as a school leader, your staff and undeniably the children and young people.

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