Role 'downgrading' will affect teacher morale

Cork teachers have warned about “discontent” in the system, after a report outlined that countries that invest more in teachers have better education outcomes than those who do not. The findings of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which were released yesterday, Thursday stated that Ireland is one of the strongest performing countries educationally due to its investment in teachers, offering higher salaries and greater professional status. However, Ballyphehane teacher, James Wilson said “some discontent” was brewing following recent cuts to pay and to spending on education.

“I have worked in the UK where the role of the teacher has been downgraded to that of a service provider rather than a teacher, and pay in the UK reflects this. The teacher morale there is quite low, which has culminated in recent strikes and unrest. In Ireland, teachers- for the time being- are still seen as 'teachers', which leads to a very positive experience in schools from what I have seen, however that could change with budget cuts."

The report also outlined that class sizes are unrelated to the school system's overall performance. “In every class you will get an array of abilities and learning styles, some students will perform well whether they are in a class of 30 or 10, while other students need constant supervision and assistance,” said Mr Wilson. “It is these students who suffer in classes with large numbers. A teacher can only spread his or herself around a class so much in 40 minutes.”