Blood on the Tracks: an accusation and proposal Peter Dean

Abstract

For many years teachers in the United Kingdom have found themselves on the receiving end of government legislation, which has seriously affected their conditions and terms of service. Their status and self-esteem have suffered, their sense of social inclusion become fragile. Morale is at a very low point throughout the profession. A clear indication of this is given in the record number of teacher vacancies now being advertised, poor recruitment figures, and high wastage and morbidity rates. Low morale amongst teachers has a direct bearing on the quality of the whole education system, irrespective of whatever other findings are brought in evidence. Much needs to be done to improve teacher morale. The premature loss of experienced teachers – one of the most wasteful and regrettable effects of recent times – might be curtailed or prevented by a reintroduction of the sabbatical concept, which affords a unique opportunity of personal refreshment and gives an immediate public signal of enhanced valuation of the role of teacher