Teachers' morale at all time low

Morale among teachers is at an all-time low, according to a survey from the National Union of Teachers.

The Coalition’s performance pay proposals, pension reforms and public sector cuts led to 55 per cent of teachers saying morale was low or very low, an increase of 13 per cent since the last survey in April 2012. More than 69 per cent of teachers said morale has declined since the General Election in May 2010, with 77 per cent arguing the Coalition’s impact on education has been negative.

When asked what they wanted Gove’s New Year’s resolution to be, “I should resign” was the most popular response, followed by a plea for the Education Secretary to value, trust and listen to them.

Christine Blower, NUT’s General Secretary, said the survey was a damning indictment of Coalition policies.

“Teaching is one of the best professions in the world but it is also one of the hardest,” she said. Teachers do not need to be subjected to the continual criticism and undermining pay.”