From policy to pupil: why do teachers matter?
This report highlights the primacy of teachers in all aspects of education. From the classroom to government, teachers need to be placed at the heart of our education systems.
Teachers always matter. From policy to pupil, teachers play an essential role within education systems around the world. If we ask ourselves 'Why are teachers important in a child's life?' It's quite simple - alongside their parents and family, children spent most of their upbringing in the presence of teachers and school friends. Therefore, it is imperative that our education system is at the highest level that we, as a nation, can possibly make it.
Featuring a range of contributions from industry experts, this timely report discusses the importance of teachers. It also explains why a government's first educational priority should be to support good teaching and proposes numerous ways to do so.
The Teacher’s Voice
Ensuring the centrality of teachers, and of course, the teacher’s voice, can allow education systems to flourish. Colleen McLaughlin maintains that ‘since the goal of almost all reform in education is to shape, modify or change classroom practice, the teacher is the central figure’ (Page 13). The report on why are teachers so important highlights numerous education systems that prioritise the the teacher’s voice, allowing them to be agents of change and steer the direction of travel.
Global Case Studies
In Uganda, the voice for teachers is fundamental from the start. New education policies are shaped by teacher consultation panels, ensuring that their views are heard at the first phase of discussion. Similarly, in Malaysia, the role of the teacher and the importance of teacher-student relationships are emphasised, and policy consultations are now commonplace. Not only does this give a voice for teachers a stake in deciding the future of their education system, but it also guarantees that bad policies don’t get past the initial discussion phase.
What Is The Role Of A Teacher?
Given the benefits of centralising what is the role of a teacher in education, the report provides numerous recommendations for those that drive reform. Policymakers should attend to teacher voices on the ground, provide access to useful research and ensure that educationalists are represented on relevant consultation panels. Additionally, providing teachers with high status career paths, through professional development and improvements in pedagogy, will incentivise the changes we want to see and have a positive impact on student attainment. The report also establishes the central role of teachers in the creation of high-quality learning materials. Textbooks created by teachers, for teachers are not only time-saving aids but are also invaluable to pupils.
Overall, this report highlights the primacy of teachers in all aspects of education. From the classroom to government, teachers need to be placed at the heart of our education systems.
