Workload still major concern for teachers in Scotland, survey finds

EB News: 07/06/2018 - 09:57

Eighty-five per cent of respondents to an online survey from union EIS stated that workload had either increased or increased significantly during the past year for teachers in Scotland.

The average level of satisfaction with workload levels has experienced minimal change since last year. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being least satisfied) the average level was 4 in both 2017 and 2018

90 per cent of respondents stated that they do not have sufficient time to dedicate to professional learning. This has increased since last year (85 per cent).

The average level of wellbeing at work has also experienced minimal change since last year. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being “I do not feel well within my job”) the average level was 5 in both 2017 and 2018.

The level of respondents who would not recommend teaching as a profession has increased. A majority of 58 per cent of respondents stated that they would not recommend teaching as a profession. The 2017 figure was 54 per cent.

Workload, changes to the curriculum and working hours are still the main cause of job dissatisfaction.

Achievements with students, interaction with students and interaction with colleagues still create the most job satisfaction.