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Teachers in Scotland are considering voting on taking industrial action due to their workload and the time they spend in front of a class. Nearly five years ago, the SNP promised to reduce class contact time by 90 minutes a week to allow teachers more time for tasks such as lesson planning and grading. Union leaders argue that teachers are facing unprecedented pressure, with increasing workloads and many experiencing burnout. The situation is becoming more challenging, especially with the rise in students requiring additional support.
The EIS, Scotland’s largest union, has started their postal ballot, while the NASUWT will begin voting on November 19. The SSTA is also expected to ballot its members soon. Teachers are concerned about the current demands on their time and the impact it has on their ability to deliver quality lessons. Many teachers, though hesitant to speak publicly, express the need for more time to adequately prepare for classes.
Rod McCready, a long-time physics teacher and union representative, emphasizes the complexities in explaining physics to students. He states that having multiple ways to teach a concept is crucial to ensure students understand. McCready also acknowledges the challenges teachers face, including instances of violence and aggression in the classroom, which can result in additional administrative work. Derrick Roberts, a history teacher, highlights the importance of adapting lessons for students with additional needs and the strain of working on school-related tasks outside of regular hours.
Carol Wood, an additional support needs (ASN) teacher, stresses the administrative burden associated with her role and how additional time would help in understanding and supporting students better. Alison Beattie, who works in support for learning at a primary school, echoes the sentiment of needing more time to address the increasing needs of students within the education system. The shortage of teachers and the rising demand for additional support further exacerbate the workload for educators in Scotland.
Despite the SNP’s pledge to increase teacher numbers, the current figures show a decline in teacher counts from the previous years. First Minister John Swinney aims to restore teacher numbers to previous levels, highlighting the importance of having adequate staffing to meet the demands of reducing class contact time. The need for additional funding and support to implement such changes remains a significant challenge for both local authorities and the Scottish government. Discussions are ongoing between teaching unions, local authorities, and government officials to address these issues and find solutions that benefit both teachers and students
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