Teaching: A valued profession

Key messages:

1. Teachers are more valued by the community than they think.
2. The way teachers are perceived in society can impact the entire career lifecycle, from recruitment and retention to job satisfaction and performance.
3. There is a positive correlation between how teachers are perceived and student achievement.
4. Negatively skewed portrayals of teaching in the media do not appear to match community sentiments.
5. Recognition of teaching expertise, including through Highly Accomplished and Lead teacher certification, can contribute to improving the status of teaching and attracting and retaining a strong workforce.

Introduction/why read:

Teaching: A valued profession explores how teachers are perceived by the Australian community and how those perceptions shape the status and sustainability of the profession. Drawing on national and international evidence, this Spotlight examines the relationship between societal value, teacher wellbeing, career satisfaction and student achievement. The Spotlight highlights a clear disconnect between how teachers believe they are valued and how the wider public views the profession, with evidence showing strong levels of trust, respect and appreciation for teachers. It also considers the influence of media portrayals and public narratives on teachers’ sense of value and professional identity. This evidence summary is relevant for teachers, school leaders and system leaders who want to better understand the impact of professional status on recruitment, retention and performance, and to reflect on ways to continue strengthening teaching as a valued profession.