News and Articles at Bookmark
Pioneering Connections and Empowering Careers
Colleges Need a New Approach to Staffing – These Five Changes Can Deliver it
Colleges Need a New Approach to Staffing – These Five Changes Can Deliver it
As the UK education system faces increasing financial pressure and staffing challenges, it is clear that colleges must take bold steps to address these issues.
By adopting these strategies, colleges can create a more resilient, effective workforce – one that is equipped to meet the evolving needs of students and institutions alike.
When seeking to find solutions, it’s vital to shine a light on the difficulty colleges face with staffing.
The strategic approaches they can take to combat the issues revolve around these five areas:
1. Ensure Dedicated ‘On-Site’ Recruitment:
One of the most effective ways to tackle recruitment challenges is by introducing on-site recruitment solutions. By embedding dedicated recruiters within college teams, this approach offers institutions tailored, hands-on support to streamline recruitment processes. Rather than juggling multiple agencies, a single recruitment partner can provide consistency, efficiency, and expertise, leading to faster fill rates and a better overall candidate experience.
An embedded model ensures that recruitment aligns with the college’s unique needs and values. When recruiters are deeply embedded in an institution’s culture and long-term goals, they can better assess candidate fit, reducing mismatches and lowering turnover.
2. Focus on staff development and career progression:
Retention is not just about offering competitive salaries—it’s also about investing in staff development. A key factor in preventing turnover is ensuring that staff feel supported and valued.
Tailored CPD (Continuing Professional Development) opportunities, career progression pathways, and a supportive work environment all contribute to retention. Colleges that invest in their staff’s growth are more likely to foster loyalty and reduce burnout.
3. Implement Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs):
Another cost-effective strategy to improve staff retention is the implementation of Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). These programmes offer a range of support services, including mental health counselling, financial advice, and stress management resources.
While the upfront costs of EAPs may be modest, the long-term benefits are substantial. By improving employee wellbeing, colleges can enhance morale, reduce absenteeism, and increase retention rates.
4. Use data-driven hiring:
The use of AI and data-driven recruitment platforms can significantly improve hiring accuracy and reduce costs. By leveraging data to assess candidates’ suitability based on a range of factors – skills, experience, and cultural fit – colleges can make smarter, more informed hiring decisions. This approach reduces the chances of hiring mismatches, lowering turnover and the associated financial costs.
5. And be sure to collaborate with the industry:
Finally, forming partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders can help colleges build robust talent pipelines. By working together to create apprenticeships, shared teaching roles, and other collaborative initiatives, colleges can expand their recruitment base while reducing costs.
AMPLIFY, part of Bookmark and The Protocol Group, places dedicated recruitment experts directly within colleges, providing tailored support to help institutions improve their hiring processes, increase fill rates and better manage the costs of recruitment both short and long term.
Contact our friendly team today to find out more.
The Effects of Teacher Recruitment and Retention on Student Learning
The Effects of Teacher Recruitment and Retention on Student Learning
Teachers are central to the academic success of students. Yet, in many parts of the education system, the ability to recruit and retain qualified educators is increasingly becoming a challenge. This issue has far-reaching consequences for the quality of education, particularly as teacher turnover continues to rise.
With an already significant shortage of teachers, particularly in certain subject areas and regions, the effects on student learning are profound and multifaceted.
In this blog, we’ll explore how teacher recruitment and retention affect student learning, why it’s so critical, and what can be done to address the growing crisis in schools.
The Teacher Shortage Crisis
In recent years, schools have faced an escalating challenge: a growing number of teacher vacancies and a shortage of qualified candidates to fill them. According to government reports, teacher vacancies have increased by over 50% in the past five years, with subjects such as science, maths, and modern foreign languages particularly hard-hit. Teacher attrition rates are also on the rise, with almost 30% of new teachers leaving the profession within their first five years.
The reasons behind this crisis are complex. Low pay relative to other professions, high workload, pressure from accountability measures, and a lack of support and recognition all contribute to teachers leaving the profession early. The issue is even more pronounced in schools serving disadvantaged communities, where it’s harder to attract and retain teachers. As a result, these schools often face staffing gaps, and students in these areas suffer the most.
Impact on Student Learning
1. Disruption to Learning
One of the most immediate effects of teacher shortages is the disruption to students’ education. When teachers leave, schools may struggle to find replacements quickly, often relying on supply teachers or underqualified staff. This can lead to inconsistency in teaching quality, as students experience multiple teaching styles and approaches within a short period.
The lack of continuity can undermine students’ learning, particularly in subjects that require a solid understanding of concepts built over time, such as maths, English, and the sciences.
For students, particularly those in exam years or with additional learning needs, the effects can be severe. Without continuity, they may miss out on key learning moments, or find themselves trying to adapt to new teachers who may not fully understand their learning style or specific needs.
2. Reduced Teacher Experience and Expertise
Experience matters in teaching. The longer teachers stay in the profession, the more effective they tend to be in improving student outcomes. Research consistently shows that experienced teachers are better at managing classrooms, designing effective lessons, and tailoring their approach to individual students.
They are also more adept at building relationships with students, which can be a key factor in academic success.
When experienced teachers leave, schools are often forced to rely on newly qualified teachers (NQTs), who may lack the skills, confidence, and strategies to cope with the demands of the job, particularly in challenging environments.
While NQTs bring fresh enthusiasm and energy, they are still developing their practice and often require significant support. This creates a cycle where high turnover exacerbates the shortage of experienced teachers, and schools struggle to provide the stability and quality of teaching students need.
3. Emotional and Social Impact on Students
Teachers don’t just teach academic subjects—they play a critical role in shaping students’ emotional and social development. High turnover and frequent changes in teaching staff can disrupt the relationships that are vital to students’ well-being.
For many students, teachers are a source of stability, particularly for those who face difficult home lives or mental health challenges. When teachers leave, these students can experience feelings of abandonment or anxiety, which can, in turn, affect their academic performance.
The emotional toll of high turnover can also impact students’ motivation. When they see teachers come and go, they may feel less invested in the school community, which can lead to disengagement or a lack of trust in the educational process.
4. Strain on School Leadership and Resources
Teacher shortages and turnover also place significant strain on school leadership. Headteachers and senior leaders spend a considerable amount of time managing recruitment, interviewing candidates, and dealing with the consequences of vacancies. This can take their attention away from other crucial tasks, such as improving teaching and learning, ensuring curriculum development, and fostering a positive school culture.
Furthermore, schools may have to divert resources from teaching and learning to cover staffing gaps, whether that means funding supply teachers, offering incentives to attract teachers to challenging schools, or covering additional staff recruitment costs.
In some cases, the quality of education suffers as schools are forced to allocate their budget to addressing staffing issues rather than investing in teaching resources, extracurricular activities, or professional development.
This is where outsourcing with education recruitment specialists like Bookmark can benefit educational institutions; it allows headteachers to focus on the importance of running a school/college rather than staffing issues.
What Can Be Done to Address Teacher Recruitment and Retention?
While the teacher recruitment and retention crisis is challenging, there are several strategies that can help to improve the situation and support both teachers and students.
1. Increase Pay and Offer Better Incentives
Competitive pay is a crucial factor in attracting and retaining teachers. While starting salaries for teachers have seen some improvement in recent years, many argue that pay for more experienced teachers remains insufficient when compared to other graduate professions.
Addressing this disparity, particularly in high-demand subjects like maths, science, and special education, could go a long way in retaining talented teachers.
In addition to pay, schools could offer targeted incentives for teachers who work in areas of acute need, such as rural schools or schools serving disadvantaged communities. Financial incentives, as well as other benefits like housing allowances or relocation support, could help schools attract staff to these hard-to-fill positions.
2. Reduce Teacher Workload and Improve Well-being
Workload is one of the primary reasons teachers leave the profession. Long hours, excessive paperwork, and the constant pressure of accountability measures all contribute to burnout. Policies to reduce administrative burdens, cut down on unnecessary tasks, and improve work-life balance are essential for teacher retention.
Additionally, providing better support for teachers’ mental health and well-being can make a significant difference. Schools that invest in creating a positive, supportive working environment—offering access to well-being resources, mentorship, and peer support—are more likely to retain teachers for the long term.
3. Offer Ongoing Professional Development and Mentoring
Teachers need continuous opportunities for professional growth. A strong professional development programme can help teachers feel valued, improve their teaching practice, and prevent burnout. Offering tailored training that aligns with teachers’ needs and career goals can motivate them to stay in the profession.
For newly qualified teachers, mentorship is key. Pairing NQTs with experienced mentors who can offer guidance and support will help them navigate the early years of teaching and increase their chances of staying in the profession. When teachers feel supported and invested in, they are more likely to remain in the classroom and continue making a positive impact on student outcomes.
4. Creating a Supportive and Collaborative School Culture
Creating a positive, inclusive school culture is essential for both teacher retention and student success. Schools that encourage collaboration nurture a sense of community, and support teachers’ professional development create an environment where staff feel valued and appreciated.
When teachers feel supported by their leaders and colleagues, they are more likely to remain in their roles and be more engaged in improving the learning experiences of their students.
5. Targeted Recruitment and Retention Strategies
In areas with significant teacher shortages, particularly in subjects like maths and science, targeted recruitment efforts are necessary. This could include offering additional bursaries or scholarships to encourage people to enter these subject areas, as well as providing support for those who want to retrain as teachers. It may also involve better career progression opportunities for teachers, including clear pathways for promotion and development.
Teacher recruitment and retention are integral to the success of students. When schools struggle to attract and retain high-quality teachers, students suffer the consequences.
Disrupted learning, increased gaps in knowledge, and reduced emotional support all have a direct impact on academic outcomes. By investing in better pay, reducing workload, supporting professional development, and fostering a positive school culture, we can create an education system where teachers are supported to succeed—and, in turn, students are given the opportunity to thrive.
Addressing the teacher shortage is not just about filling vacancies—it’s about ensuring that every child has access to the consistent, high-quality education they deserve.
To find out how Bookmarks experienced educational recruitment experts can help you, click here today.
Exploring the Gender Gap in Teaching
Exploring the Gender Gap in Teaching
The teaching profession has long been characterised by a significant gender gap, with women making up a large majority of educators, particularly in primary and early childhood education. In England, the teaching workforce is made up of 76% women as of 2023/24.
While female teachers bring invaluable perspectives and skills to the classroom, a diverse teaching staff that includes more male educators can enrich the educational experience for students.
The shortage of male teachers mean they are in high demand, with some schools (almost 1 in 3 state funded primary schools), having no male teachers at all.
This blog post explores the reasons behind the gender gap in teaching and offers strategies to increase the number of male teachers in schools.
Understanding the gender gap
Historically, teaching has been viewed as a ‘feminine’ profession, which may deter men from pursuing careers in education. Societal stereotypes and cultural perceptions contribute to this disparity, as teaching is often associated with nurturing and caregiving—traits that are traditionally linked to women.
Research indicates that having male teachers can positively impact student outcomes, particularly for boys, who may benefit from diverse role models. Male educators can challenge stereotypes, offer different perspectives, and foster a more balanced learning environment.
Additionally, the lack of male role models in educational settings can further discourage boys from considering teaching as a viable career option.
Strategies to increase male teacher rates:
1. Promote teaching as a valuable career choice
It’s crucial to reshape societal perceptions of teaching. Highlighting the impact teachers have on future generations can attract more men to the profession.
Campaigns featuring male teachers discussing their experiences and successes can help change narratives and encourage others to consider teaching.
Teaching can be an incredibly rewarding career, and focus should be put on this when promoting it as a career choice.
2. Diverse recruitment strategies
Schools and educational institutions should employ targeted recruitment efforts to attract male candidates. This could involve attending career fairs focused on men, collaborating with organisations that promote male educators, and offering incentives specifically for male students pursuing education degrees.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram and LinkedIn are crucial to raise awareness and promote teaching for men. Influencers can play a big part in the next generation (Gen Z) getting into teaching careers.
3. Create supportive work environments
Cultivating an inclusive and supportive workplace culture can make teaching more appealing to men. Schools should foster an environment where all educators feel valued and supported, regardless of gender.
Encouraging collaboration and offering professional development opportunities can also enhance job satisfaction.
4. Address pay disparities
One barrier to attracting men to teaching is the perception of low salaries. Advocating for fair compensation and benefits for teachers can help position the profession as a more attractive career choice for all, including men.
5. Involve parents and community
Engaging parents and community members in discussions about the importance of male teachers can help shift perceptions.
Organising community events that celebrate male educators and their contributions to student development can foster support and interest in teaching careers.
Increasing the number of male teachers is essential for creating a diverse and balanced educational environment. By addressing societal stereotypes and promoting teaching as a valuable career, we can encourage more men to enter the profession.
A more gender-diverse teaching staff benefits all students, providing them with varied role models and perspectives that enrich their learning experiences. As we work toward closing the gender gap in teaching, we must remember that a diverse educational workforce ultimately leads to a more inclusive and effective education system.
To find your next career in teaching, find out more about the services Bookmark offers here.
Celebrating World Science Day: Why Science is Essential in Schools
On November 10th, we celebrate World Science Day for Peace and Development. This day shines a light on the incredible role science plays in advancing our society, improving our lives, and addressing the global challenges we face. It’s a reminder that science is not just a subject learned in school—it’s the foundation of innovation and progress.
Why science matters
Science shapes the world we live in, from the technologies we use daily to the medical advancements that save lives. Without science, we wouldn’t have electricity, the internet, or even something as basic as painkillers. The vaccines that protect us from diseases like COVID-19 and Ebola are the result of years of scientific research and forward-thinking.
By understanding science, we can make informed choices about our health, the environment, and the future. It empowers us to evaluate information, problem solve, and think creatively—skills that are essential not just in the science lab, but in everyday life.
Whether it’s developing new cancer treatments or discovering innovative ways to find criminals through DNA evidence, science has the power to shape a better future for all generations.
Why science education is crucial
Science education in schools plays a key role in developing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers. When students learn about the structure of DNA, the chemistry behind a vaccine, or the physics of electricity, they’re absorbing facts, developing critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them in all areas of life.
Science helps children and young adults to understand the world around them, sparking curiosity and encouraging them to ask ‘why’ and ‘how’.
This curiosity drives creativity, allowing students to explore new ideas and find innovative ways to solve problems. By making science fun and engaging, educators can inspire these future generations to better the world.
Students who are able to see how science impacts the real world – such as tackling climate change or developing life changing treatments – are more likely to see it as not just a classroom requirement, and go on to make a difference.
World Science Day: a time to reflect and inspire
World Science Day gives us the perfect opportunity to reflect on the importance of science in our day-to-day lives and the need to keep it at the heart of education. By celebrating this day in schools, students can see firsthand how science is used to solve global problems and improve the quality of life for people everywhere.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is essential for the future of innovation, as these subjects drive every part of the modern world. It is down to teachers today to provide the next generation with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to go on and find their own success within these vital subjects.
The future of science
The future of science is incredibly exciting, with possibilities that will go on to shape the world. From discovering new forms of renewable energy, unlocking more secrets of the human body, science will continue to define the world we live in. For this to happen, we need to continue investing in science education, making sure that students not only understand scientific concepts but also the impact it has on shaping the future.
World Science Day reminds us of the importance of teaching science in schools—not just to prepare students for future careers, but by fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. This combination of characteristics will help the next generation take on whatever the future may bring.
If you want to further your career and get involved with empowering the next generation of scientists, take a look at the services Bookmark offers here.
Career Development Month: Empowering the Teachers of Tomorrow
This month-long campaign aims to empower individuals to take charge and further their career.
Teachers are the heart of our society; by investing in their development, we’re not just enhancing their careers—we’re building a brighter, more innovative future for the leaders of tomorrow.
Here’s how we can champion and empower these key figures in our educational system.
1. Innovative training and professional development
The landscape of education is rapidly evolving, and so are the needs of teachers. As a result, innovative training programmes are needed to keep up with the educational landscape.
During Career Development Month, educational institutions and organisations should prioritise offering training that addresses the latest teaching trends and digital tools. These development opportunities should promote critical thinking, ensuring that teachers are well-prepared to engage and inspire their students.
2. Creating a supportive work environment
A supportive and collaborative work environment is crucial for teachers’ success and satisfaction.
One way this can be done is through mentorship programmes, which are a powerful tool for supporting new educators. Pairing new starters with experienced teachers can provide invaluable guidance and practical insights.
Additionally, fostering a culture of collaboration in every organisation where teachers can share resources and best practices can help promote a sense of community and support.
3. Providing access to resources and technology
Teachers need the right tools and resources to effectively educate their students. Ensuring that they have access to modern technology and teaching materials is a fundamental aspect of empowering them.
This includes evolving to trends such as through the provision of digital libraries, multimedia resources, and up-to-date software. By investing in these resources, we equip teachers to deliver high-quality education.
4. Prioritising wellbeing
The wellbeing of teachers is directly linked to their effectiveness in the classroom.
During Career Development Month, it’s important to highlight the significance of work-life balance and mental health support, reducing the chance of issues such as teacher burnout occurring.
Implementing policies that promote a healthy work-life balance and providing access to mental health resources can help maintain job satisfaction, also allowing teachers to better focus on their students and their professional growth.
6. Involving teachers in policy making
To truly empower teachers, their voices must be heard in the policy-making process.
Involving educators in the development of educational policies ensures that their experiences and insights shape the decisions that impact their work.
Creating feedback mechanisms where teachers can share their perspectives on policies and practices helps bridge the gap between policy and practice.
7. Engaging the community and parents
Building strong partnerships with parents and the community enhances the educational experience for students, building a better environment for all.
During Career Development Month, promoting initiatives that encourage teachers to engage with families and local communities can strengthen these relationships. They can provide guidance to educate parents on how to support their children’s learning, creating a collaborative effort to achieve success.
8. Recognising achievements
Recognition is a powerful motivator. Celebrating teachers’ achievements and contributions through awards, public acknowledgments, and other forms of recognition reinforces their value and dedication.
During Career Development Month, highlighting the successes of educators not only boosts morale but also inspires others in the profession. With teacher numbers needing to increase, this is a great way to promote the rewarding role teachers play.
Career Development Month serves as a reminder of the critical role teachers play in shaping the future. By focusing on these areas, we can empower the educators of tomorrow to thrive and make a lasting impact on their students and the education system.
Are you interested in embarking on a rewarding teaching career? Get in touch with Bookmark today to find out more about how we can support you.
The Life-Changing Impact of Learning Languages in School
Learning a new language from a young age has monumental benefits which can support children in a variety of ways.
As an interconnected global society, learning a language has adapted from being merely an academic requirement to now being a valuable life skill. It exposes children to diverse cultures, perspectives, and opportunities, and supports their cognitive development in a multitude of ways.
This blog explores the benefits of learning a language in school and why it is so important…
Cognitive benefits
During our early education, learning a language can greatly improve our cognitive abilities through its more hands-on approach to learning.
Studying a new language requires skills that utilise memory and retention, and practicing this from a young age can enhance these abilities going forward.
And, due to the way in which different languages structure their sentences in alternative styles, with different verb conjugations and tense usage, it unlocks the skills required for critical thinking and problem solving.
This can support children with their other subjects, such as maths and reading, supplying them with transferable skills that can improve their performance across the board.
Cultural awareness
Studying a new language goes beyond the vocabulary as it also touches on a totally new culture. Through learning a language, children gain insights into different communities and social norms, along with different traditions and ways of life.
If children are exposed to these differences from a young age, it can foster cultural sensitivity and empathy, breaking down stereotypes and building bridges between people from diverse backgrounds.
Builds confidence
The personal benefits that can come with learning a language are not to be ignored, as the effect it can have on a child’s confidence is invaluable.
Due to the patience that is required when learning a new language, along with the persistence that is needed, it can encourage resilience in children when acknowledging their progress.
Learning a language usually entails speaking in front of peers, often making mistakes and having to actively learn from them, working on verbal and non-verbal communication, which can all play into improving a child’s confidence.
CV builder
As mentioned, being able to speak another language is highly beneficial for general life now that cultures are so interconnected; and this includes being beneficial in the working world, too.
That’s why employers are actively seeking multilingual employees who can communicate with different clients, partners, and colleagues, expanding the reach of the company.
If children learn these skills from a young age, it opens up their access to opportunities, particularly in fields such as international business, tourism, translation, education and more.
In fact, people who speak a second language can earn up to 20% more than those who just speak one, and they are often in higher demand, which demonstrates just how useful learning a language can prove to be for a child’s professional development.
Are you looking for a language teaching role?
If you are in search of your next challenge and are equipped with the skills to teach foreign languages, then Bookmark can support you in finding your dream role. Alternatively, if your business is looking to hire your next language teacher, we also have the resources to help.
Get in touch with us today and we can support you with your education recruitment needs!
Salary Expectations and Factors to Consider for Nursery Managers
Bookmark delves into the financial considerations and incentives to keep in mind when pursuing a nursery manager role and what salary range nursery managers should consider.
When considering a role as a nursery manager, it’s important to understand how salaries can vary. Several factors influence potential earnings, including location, the size of the nursery, your level of experience, and whether the nursery is private, public, or charity-run.
On average, you can expect to earn between £25,000 and £35,000 per year. However, in larger nurseries or high-cost areas like London, salaries can exceed £45,000. In smaller settings or less expensive regions, starting salaries might be closer to £22,000.
Bonus schemes
In addition to base salaries, many nurseries offer bonus schemes as part of their compensation packages. These schemes can be a great way to increase your overall earnings based on your performance and the achievement of specific targets.
Types of Bonus Schemes You Might Encounter:
- Performance Bonuses: These are awarded based on individual or team performance. For example, you might receive bonuses for achieving goals such as improving nursery ratings, meeting enrolment targets, or enhancing overall staff performance.
- Profit Sharing: In some private or larger nurseries, you may be eligible for profit-sharing arrangements. This means you could receive a portion of the nursery’s profits, providing a financial incentive linked to the nursery’s overall success.
- Retention Bonuses: To encourage long-term commitment and reduce turnover, some nurseries offer retention bonuses. These bonuses are typically paid after a certain period of service and reward you for staying with the organisation and contributing to its stability.
- Holiday and Annual Bonuses: Some nurseries offer bonuses at the end of the year or during holidays as a gesture of appreciation for your hard work. These can vary in amount and might be fixed or percentage-based.
Factors to Consider When Evaluating Salary and Bonuses
- Location: Salaries and bonus schemes can differ by region. In urban or high-cost areas, you may find more competitive salaries and bonus opportunities. Conversely, rural areas might offer lower salaries but could provide more stable working conditions.
- Experience and Qualifications: Your experience and qualifications are key factors in determining both your base salary and eligibility for bonuses. With extensive experience and advanced qualifications, you are often in a stronger position to negotiate higher salaries and more lucrative bonus schemes.
- Size and Type of Nursery: Larger nurseries or those part of a chain may offer more substantial bonus schemes due to higher revenues and complex operations. Private nurseries often have more flexible bonus structures compared to charitable or community-run settings, where budgets might be tighter.
- Additional Benefits: When considering a role, evaluate the full compensation package, including any bonus schemes. Bonuses can significantly enhance your earnings, so it’s important to understand how they are calculated and what criteria you need to meet.
- Job Security and Work-Life Balance: While a higher salary and attractive bonus scheme are important, you should also consider job security, work-life balance, and overall job satisfaction. A role that offers a good balance of salary, bonuses, and a positive work environment may be more beneficial in the long run.
Negotiating Salary and Bonuses
When you receive a job offer, be prepared to discuss and negotiate both salary and bonus schemes. Research standard compensation packages for nursery managers in your area and consider your experience and the value you bring to the role. If the initial salary offer is lower than expected, don’t hesitate to inquire about the possibility of performance-related bonuses or other benefits that could enhance your total compensation.
By understanding and negotiating both base salaries and bonus opportunities, you can ensure that you are fairly compensated for your role and contributions as a nursery manager. Balancing these financial aspects with the nursery’s values and work environment will help you make an informed and satisfying career decision.
If you are looking into a career in a nursery, or other educational institutions, discover the recruitment services Bookmark offer at: https://bookmarkeducation.co.uk/
Exploring the Invaluable Role of Teachers in Today’s World
Teaching is one of the most vital careers in our society today. Teachers have a profound impact on the leaders of tomorrow and can directly influence a young person’s outlook on life.
Being an educator can help shape a child’s career, push them to achieve goals, build confidence, learn new skills, and communicate effectively.
Adapting to modern society
In today’s world, it can be harder than ever for young people to focus on learning due to the abundance of distractions stemming from technology and AI. It is crucial for teachers to continuously adapt to these changes.
COVID-19 is a prime example of how teachers have adjusted by learning new methods to educate and engage students. To counteract the distractions of home life, teachers had to make content captivating and relevant.
Technology can therefore be taken advantage on and enhance learning by enabling teachers to create interactive techniques that provide students with more information than ever before.
Passing on the knowledge
Being a teacher can be an extremely rewarding job. Passing on knowledge to the next generation is necessary and important – for instance, from birth to around eight years old is one of the most crucial windows in a child’s life in terms of development, so the way they are taught is important.
Finding innovative ways to educate on various subjects can be both exciting and creatively fulfilling. A teacher’s approach can impact a child’s entire educational journey and highlights the importance of fostering critical thinking skills.
Role Models
Teachers are a pillar of knowledge and can often become mentors and sources of inspiration. Many people remember the positive impact that great teachers had on their lives.
Children often strive to be more like their favourite adults, so the way a teacher interacts and educates in the classroom is particularly significant. A positive experience with a dedicated teacher can motivate a young person to want to achieve more.
The presence of role models in a young person’s life also increases the likelihood of maintaining motivation throughout their education.
Being empathetic and caring
Effective teaching extends beyond instruction and knowledge; it involves empathy and kindness. The best teachers are both passionate and compassionate, they understand that everyone’s background is different, and some children may face more challenging upbringings.
They can identify those that might need extra support and guide them to relevant resources. Today, there is more support available than ever before, making it easier to identify early signs that a student might need additional help.
Not just in the classroom
Teaching right from wrong and encouraging participation in the correct activities is also a significant role that teachers play. It develops personal growth and therefore has an impact on confidence and people skills.
However, it is not just inside the classroom where teachers influence; encouraging participation in extracurricular activities or sport can promote teamwork, endurance and perseverance.
Such activities allow young people to discover their talents, develop hobbies, and invest their time and effort in productive areas.
Linking the community together
In the classroom, teachers promote inclusiveness and ensure every pupil has the same opportunities. Educators are vital in connecting the community and encouraging bonds to be built with everyone. This is more important than ever in today’s world.
Encouraging kindness and inclusiveness will go on to have a positive effect in how a young person perceives and engages with the world.
If you feel inspired to make a difference in the next generation through teaching or are looking for educators to join your team, explore Bookmark’s recruitment services here.
The Inspiring Work and Impact of Nursery Teachers
The early years of someone’s life are crucial for their development and growth, emotionally and physically, which is why nursery teachers hold such high levels of responsibility teaching children from ages three to five.
The direct impact that teachers have on children’s lives is immense, and the work involved requires hours of hard work.
Along with planning and organising appropriate activities to engage the children for learning purposes, nursery teachers often need to help with personal needs such as feeding and changing, depending on their age.
Their responsibilities also involve being a role model for children, inspiring them and nurturing them to be able to achieve their full potential
There are countless studies on child development that show how valuable early years education is. Not only does it support and provide children with social, language and numeracy skills, but it has been proven that early years teaching can in fact boost the earnings of children when they’re older.
It is certain that no two days are the same when working as a nursery teacher, and their dedication to children’s development goes beyond academic teaching. This blog will explore the role of nursery teachers and their inspirational impact on children’s development.
The role of nursery teachers
Nursery teachers have different responsibilities to consider when looking after a classroom of three- to five-year-olds, with various ways in which they can impact their progression and learning. Through catering to the needs of different children, teachers have to consider how to achieve the following points to support their learning and development.
Creating a safe and nurturing environment
A classroom must be kept clean and tidy in order to prevent accidents, but also to promote a healthy environment. A teacher must also ensure to create an emotionally safe space, where children feel happy and able to express themselves, with the teacher able to support them through times of hesitation or frustration.
Facilitating early learning
As mentioned, the early years of learning are extremely important for children, so introducing basic concepts such as numbers, letters, shapes and colours in the form of engaging activities is a key part of their education. A teacher must consider how to make lessons fun and interactive, to encourage a want to learn and improve, too.
Promoting social and emotional development
Being surrounded by other children, exposed to different types of personalities and people of different backgrounds, allows children to interact with others and practice their social skills. They can learn to share, to be patient, and develop empathy. A teacher must promote this within their classroom environment, and assist children in learning how to effectively and politely communicate and interact with their peers.
Supporting physical development
A lot of activities can be physical in nature, allowing children to enhance their motor skills, growing in confidence with their physical abilities, too. Being in a learning environment can also encourage children to develop healthy habits related to good nutrition and hygiene. This is where nursery teachers must implement a variety of activities and discussions in their lessons, so that young children are being taught about and shown the importance of movement and health.
If you would like to make a difference by supporting children in their early education, or are looking for a qualified nursery teacher to join your team, then Bookmark is the education recruitment partner to help you.
You can contact us today via our contact form – we look forward to hearing from you.
Get in Touch with Bookmark
Let's Connect and Take the Next Step Together
Ready to Take the Next Step? How Can We Assist You in Your Education Recruitment Journey?
