Key data: Teaching is not a respected profession
- Oct 14, 2024
- 2 min read
02 Apr 2020
When it comes to ranking respect for jobs worldwide, classroom teachers come close to last
BY THE VARKEY FOUNDATION
What does respect for teachers look like across the world? Groundbreaking research commissioned by the Varkey Foundation has examined the social status of teachers in 35 countries. The Global Teacher Status Index, conducted by Populus and researchers at the UK-based National Institute of Economic and Social Research, polled 35,000 people and a further 5,500 teachers on their attitudes toward the teaching profession. By asking respondents to rank their respect for teachers against other professions, the researchers were able to build an index of teacher social status. Published in 2018, the findings represent the most comprehensive study ever of respect for teachers around the world.
Classroom teachers placed near the bottom of a list of 14 key professions, as ranked by respondents. Primary and secondary school teachers ranked 10th and 11th in the list of respect for professions, above web designers, social workers and librarians. School leaders ranked 4th overall, behind doctors, lawyers and engineers. The research also made clear that teacher social status can change over time. Respect for teachers in 2018 was moderately higher than in 2013, when the Varkey Foundation first published global polling on the issue.
There are significant differences in the social status of teachers between countries. In general, teachers appear to enjoy a higher social status in Asia than they do in Europe or the Americas. The major developing economies of China and Brazil are at the highest and lowest ends of the Global Teacher Status Index.
The research also found that most people underestimate how many hours teachers work, and how much they’re paid. In 28 of the 35 countries surveyed, teachers are being paid less than the amount people consider to be a fair wage for the job. In all but six countries of the 35 countries polled, the general public underestimated – often considerably – the number of hours teachers work per week.
It's disheartening to see that teachers rank so low in respect compared to other professions, as highlighted by the Global Teacher Status Index. The fact that many people underestimate both the hours teachers put in and their fair wages speaks volumes about the perception of the profession. As someone who enjoys exploring different personalities and dynamics in games like Tomodachi Life, I can't help but think that fostering respect for educators is crucial for a thriving society. Perhaps if we shared more about their dedication and challenges, we could start changing these perceptions. You can find some insights on this at Tomodachi Life.
It's disheartening to see teachers ranked so low in respect globally, especially considering the immense dedication and hard work they put in daily. The statistic that most people underestimate the hours teachers work really highlights a disconnect in public perception. As someone who appreciates the creativity and effort that goes into education, I believe there's a need for greater recognition. It's similar to how we celebrate art in various forms; for instance, transforming pet photos into stunning art can show appreciation for creativity. You can see more at PetPortraitHub.
I totally get how switching from Blackboard to Canvas can feel like a full‑on supermarket chaos all those new buttons and menus. It’s great that OSU is offering labs; I’ll hop in next Tuesday to get a hand before the final deadline.
This research highlights the important role teachers play and the need for greater recognition of their dedication. Respect for educators benefits society as a whole. I discovered this insightful article through Tu Chance Hoy, and it offers valuable perspective.
Given that education serves as the cornerstone of society, it is regrettable that teaching is not accorded the same level of respect as dino game other professions around the world that it deserves.