A Profession Under Pressure: How Squeezing Teachers Punishes Kids

Abstract

This chapter examines what it means to be a teacher and the challenges faced by the profession from an insider perspective: that of a practising teacher. Through a careful consideration of both the way teachers work has changed, or is changing, and the pressures that are part of that, as well as the way teachers are presented in the media and perceived in the wider community, it explores the ebbs and flows in energy and enthusiasm, and how those outside the profession have a direct influence upon teachers’ passion for their job. This chapter describes how these assaults ‘squeeze’ teachers, which in turn pressure their students, leading to a range of negative outcomes. The connection between pressures on teachers and less satisfactory learning outcomes is made clear. The role that the media plays in the popular conception of teachers is explored and how these unrealistic, and negative depictions ultimately impact upon students are called into question. The chapter concludes with a call to refocus upon the core tenets of education, and the simple, clear and humanistic goals set afoot the teachers that make such positive impacts upon their charges.