Teachers split over solution to Scottish staffing crisis

A survey has revealed divided opinions among primary teachers’ solutions to solve the staffing crisis in Scotland’s schools.

The poll was conducted by the school leaders’ body the Association of Head Teachers and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS) and collected responses from 2,511 teachers. The responses suggested a common feeling of despondency as a result of heavy workload and a constant stream of new initiatives.

The teachers which took part in the study included 644 promoted teachers, 1,600 classroom teachers and 267 responses from other staff. The survey asked whether participants backed an AHDS idea that would change the contracted working condition of all teachers, to an increased 2.5 hours per week, but with a corresponding pay rise.

Of the 644 promoted teachers, 66 per cent were for the idea and 22 per cent against. However, only 17 per cent of classroom teachers backed the proposal, with 65 per cent opposing it.