#FutureOfTeaching campaign launches with new global site and COVID-19 research

  • Campaign to support conversations across the profession about immediate and long-term solutions for teaching
  • Free global hub – The Education Exchange – will provide space for teachers to discuss what the future of teaching should look like around five key areas
  • Research published looking at the impact of COVID-19 on teachers and pupils and concerns for Autumn term

The Chartered College of Teaching has today (20th July) launched the #FutureOfTeaching campaign, a year-long discussion bringing together teachers from across the world to look at the immediate and long-term changes needed for the profession. The Chartered College is supporting these conversations with The Education Exchange – a free platform providing opportunities for discussion, reflection and sharing the best resources around the world.

The global teaching profession faces huge challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has resulted in changes in the very nature of teaching and how we view the role of teachers. The Future of Teaching campaign will convene discussions around five key areas:  

  1. The purpose and vision of education
  2. Connecting and expanding learning
  3. Learning online and learning using digital tools
  4. Building learning independence 
  5. Professional learning for the 21st century

In addition, the Chartered College has published a new research report: “Education in times of crisis: Teachers’ views on distance learning and school reopening plans during COVID-19”. The report collates member views on the potential impacts of closures on learning, wellbeing and long-term implications. Key insights include: 

  • Over half of members reported increased workload, the majority feel their wellbeing being impacted negatively
  • Almost 90% of teachers feel supported by their colleagues 
  • Over 50% of teachers reported increased workload. Over 60% of teachers are struggling with work/life balance and report that during this crisis they are finding it more difficult to balance the demands from work and home life
  • Over 63% feel that their wellbeing has been negatively affected by the current situation
  • Access to the internet is an issue. Almost 88% of teachers report that some of their students do not have access to the internet or the devices needed to enable online learning. In 20% of cases, it is believed that only half of the students have adequate internet/device access
  • Most teachers do not feel confident in supporting children who are grieving or have experienced trauma
  • 80% of teachers agree that their most vulnerable students have been particularly affected. 
  • Teachers are not confident that hygiene and social distancing rules can be implemented well in educational settings. 

“There is a strong desire for the future of teaching to involve positive change. Issues identified in our report include a greater emphasis on the mental health of the profession, greater equity in education and changes to what the curriculum looks like. The time has come to really value the professionalism and development of our teachers.  Our global Education Exchange will be at the heart of this, providing a space for the profession to engage in debate and to learn from opinion pieces and research. The expertise and voices of teachers must be at the heart of shaping the future of our fantastic profession.”

Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive of the Chartered College of Teaching

The Chartered College of Teaching will launch a member consultation in the Autumn term to collate the views of membership on the future of teaching around the five key areas with a series of events.