Celebrating Female Teachers as UK Children go Back to School

This week has been a big one! Not only did UK schools start to re-open fully on 8 March, but we also celebrated International Women’s Day 2021. WiseUp wanted to explore the vital role women play in the education of children in the UK. Not only that but also find out how they have been feeling over the last year.

More Female Teachers than Male

In 2017 almost 70% of all teachers in the UK were females. This is according to statistics from on the British Educational Suppliers Association website. In Primary schools, this figure is over 80%. This shows that women are by far the majority of teachers working in UK schools. They have a huge impact on students’ lives, teaching them not just curriculum subjects but life lessons.

Female Teachers Paid Less

Yet an article on teaching website TES reported that female teachers are paid over 25% less than male colleagues, and effectively work 95 days of the year for free in comparison.

Teacher pay salaries graph

Source: FFT Education Data Lab

Teachers Work Hard for Long Hours

Here at WiseUp, we work with teachers everyday. We know how hard they all work, putting in extra time to make sure that children have the resources and input they need in order to succeed. Over 25% of teachers work more than 59 hours a week, and 40% say they do additional work in the evenings. We want to celebrate the efforts of these teachers, and in particular the efforts of the highest majority yet lower paid members of staff, women!

Female Teacher

Image Source: Pexels

Talking to Teachers

Our Business Development Manger, Jess, had a chat with a couple of female teachers recently. She wanted to find out a little bit more about how they got into teaching, and their thoughts and feelings about the job, particularly as women. Jess also asked teachers to touch on how they and their students have been coping with the pandemic. With schools starting to go back, it’s a tricky time. Here’s what one teacher had to say:

Primary School Depty Head teacher talks to WiseUp Team Building

Image Source: L. Brown

Primary Teacher: Lauren Brown

Mrs Lauren Brown is a Deputy Headteacher at Holmes Chapel Primary, a two form entry primary academy in Cheshire. She also wears the cap of the school Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO) so is perfectly placed to share the impact that the pandemic has had on the children in her care. Mrs Brown shares her thoughts below:

When did you decide to get into teaching?

Just after I finished my initial degree which was Classics and French. My mum was in education and I had previously worked as a childminder and in a playgroup so working with children was certainly something I enjoyed. The minute I started, I knew it was the job for me!

What drew you to working with Primary School children?

I actually thought about being a History teacher in Secondary as History has always been my passion. However, I then volunteered at the primary school I attended back home and that really made my mind up. The sheer joy and enthusiasm for learning from the children was infectious. They just loved to soak up information. I think it also suits my personality well, as they enjoy silliness and my (sometimes terrible) jokes.

Do you feel that you get treated any differently as a woman than your male colleagues? Either by students or other adults that you work with?

In such a female dominated workplace it’s hard to say really. There’s often the discussion about how men are better at behaviour management etc and there are some shocking statistics out there about gender pay gap, even within education where men are in the minority.

Who would you say has been your biggest influence?

Probably my mother, in all aspects of my life. It was just the 2 of us as I grew up, so she has always been my inspiration for what a strong, independent woman looks like. She also made her way through to management at a college, which is no mean feat! I’m grateful to her everyday as I have no doubt I’m who and where I am today, because of her.

Let’s talk a bit about COVID-19:

Online team Building

Image Source: Pixabay

How have you found working in education during the pandemic?

To say different would be an understatement. I had only just started as deputy head when the pandemic began so I was thrown not only into helping lead a school, but also undertake jobs I never thought I would have to do! I have led our remote learning which has had its challenges, but has come a long way since last year.

How have students felt about coming back to school?

The overwhelming feeling is excitement. There are of course individuals who are anxious and uncertain about coming back, but we have wonderful support in school for them so we are doing all we can to help.

What would you say students have missed most during the pandemic?

Connection. Seeing friends, teachers, just other people. We all thrive when we have solid and fulfilling relationships and the pandemic has removed so many of these, for adults as well as children.

What is the one thing you have heard the most since your students have been back?

Laughter!

Moving Forwards from Here:

Childrem running down hill in team building activity

Image Source: Unsplash

What do you do in your school to empower young girls?

Constantly teaching girls and boys that they are able to do what they want, both incidentally and directly. Addressing sexist remarks through discussions and sharing knowledge about empowered, strong women from all walks of life. Almost every year I’ve had to share videos of incredible male ballet dancers, for example, when there have been comments about it being ‘just for girls’ and vice versa for football.

How would you suggest young girls could improve their own chances of succeeding in the world?

Belief in themselves. There is still so much self-doubt which is at times upsetting to see, when they don’t feel they can do what boys can do.

Empowered young girl

Image Source: Unsplash

We recently celebrated World Book Day. Have you got a favourite book that has a strong female character?

‘The Girls’ by Lauren Ace has to be one of my favourite books. It is beautiful and tells the story of 4 girls and how they support and empower each other. Emma Carroll also writes stories with strong, young female protagonists – I particularly enjoyed ‘The Somerset Tsunami.’

What is one thing you wish you could tell your 13 year old self?

Don’t get a fringe!

Honestly, I had so much encouragement and love from my mother that I don’t feel I ever needed to believe in myself more or do things differently. I always felt the world was my oyster!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Still in education – who knows in what role… I thoroughly enjoy being SENCO and Deputy Head but you never know what is around the corner.

And Finally:

Child with messy hands

Image Source: Pexels

How would you describe your job in 3 words?

Fun, fulfilling and full-on!

Thanks for the chat Mrs Brown!
We think teachers are awesome!

 

Title Image Source: Pexels

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