Austerity

[Gandalf]

Cannot spell on a phone either. Use just my thumb and it gets weird.

Teachers are leaving because the job has got harder with performance targets, ofsted, becoming a social worker, all for lower pay.

Austerity! Austerity! Austerity!

You were from a single parent family and did well. Stop blaming them!

"Every word of this article resonates with me. I left teaching in the UK for a small international school in Brussels after nearly twenty years in the profession. That was pre-Gove but the stresses then were becoming intolerable and everyday I felt sick at the prospect of going into school, with its ridiculous targets, ludicrous workloads, unsupportive management and disaffected kids All the joy had gone out of the job. Teaching in Brussels I earned less than in the UK, but the cost of living was lower and quality of life far better. Class sizes at an average of 16 were less than half the size of those I'd had in the UK and the kids were delightful, motivated and respectful. The curriculum allowed one to teach, not just tick boxes, so teaching was fun again. Family circumstances brought me back to the UK and I returned briefly to teaching here, but got out as soon as I could. I'd advise any teacher to consider international education if their circumstances allow. They'll never regret it."

Has it been 20 years of austerity? This teacher takes it back way earlier than that and that is even the Guardians 'Pick Comment'.