Teachers sustainable employability

The real story about, teachers sustainable employability

Figures and statistics degraded my message as far as I was concerned. While this is 'normally' supportive. I noticed that the message is much more personal than communicating numbers and painting a 'general' picture. I found that precisely because I know and talk to so many burned-out teachers in my immediate environment, I prefer to share the story behind the facts.

A story that indicates the magnitude of this problem within education. A story told from the heart, not from numbers. An article that indicates the split many teachers find themselves in. An article that offers insight into the struggle that has been going on for many teachers for years now. Without resolution. The story that keeps repeating itself, precisely because the teacher is such a dedicated competent employee. Precisely because so much is asked of this employee.

Fact: Factors that play a role within education in increasing work stress include increasing limitations on autonomy and control options, increased job demands in the work context (such as increased administrative burden, constant organizational changes), increased job content demands (such as performance pressure), and heavy mental and emotional strain.

One of the important personality traits that I believe every teacher has is dedication to his or her job. Furthermore, personality traits such as; loyal, integrity, empathy, caring, diligence and having a great sense of responsibility are important in order to do the job well.

In addition, there is the need for growth and development. These personal characteristics therefore ensure that someone is or is not suitable for the teaching profession. And if, as we know, within education, too much is asked of the teacher, it is precisely these personal characteristics that make it difficult to deal with them adequately and sustainably.

Because what happens to you, as a teacher, when you indicate "I can't do it anymore"? Do you then let your colleagues down? (Think "loyal.") Do you then leave your student who is eagerly awaiting a grade? (Think responsibility.)

Fact: Research by TNO and CBS (2015) shows that education personnel have the highest rate of burnout complaints of all occupational categories: over one in five suffer from it, and this rate continues to rise.

One thing I know for sure. Man as a teacher is driven, loyal and faithful. A teacher does not give up easily. On the contrary, they will often put their shoulders to the wheel even more. Do their best even more. And thus often, however well meaning, maintain the situation. They take and keep responsibility. This is the pitfall of every teacher. And that is precisely what needs more attention. More guidance. Guidance from the beginning of the career.

Fact: currently, it appears that one-third of teachers under the age of 30 quit teaching within five years. In contrast, older workers in education remain very loyal to their employers. A job outside education is not an option for older workers: many of them have never done any other work in education. Thus, they also have no comparison material. This is partly because they experience little diversity in jobs.

More development on inner leadership. More insight into where the boundaries are and where the challenges are. More self-insight. In other words; a policy aimed at sustainable employability.

For example, research by Wim van de Grift and Michelle Helms-Lorenz (Reducing ESL in Secondary Education, 2014, Radboud University), in which over sixty schools and 337 novice teachers participated, shows that better supervision not only leads to less teacher attrition, but also to better quality lessons.

The anchors of our society

I think everyone agrees; teachers are an important profession. And so, the teacher as a human being, is very important. And these people, these teachers are suffering too much. These people, these individuals suffer from too great and prolonged workload and have too few opportunities to solve this sustainably. The risk of dropping out due to, for example, burnout complaints in education is really too high.

Sustainable investment

Who stops this? Is this the teachers themselves? Is this the job of HRM? I think so. By demanding and generating more attention. By being open to change. By providing more guidance. Creating insight into the perception of work is an important tool in this regard. Insight into both the physical and mental health of teachers provides a handle for further development. A Health Check is therefore a responsible investment. Sustainable too!

Source:

https://www.vn.nl/jonge-docentenuitval-aafke-romeijn/
http://www.intermediair.nl/carriere/werk-en-leven/gezondheid-stress-burnout/Het-onderwijs-brandt-mensen-op
http://www.vgs.nl/wp-content/uploads/EindrapportDuurzameinzetbaarheidJUNI2014.pdf