Teachers from across Wales gathered in Swansea yesterday and today (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November) for the Annual Conference of NASUWT Cymru, the largest teachers’ union in Wales, to debate issues of importance to the teaching profession.

And despite a very promising speech by the Education Minister on Saturday (7 November), during a real time poll at the Conference later in the afternoon, two thirds of teachers indicated they still do not feel that the Welsh Government respects or values the profession.

Concerns were raised about the goal posts always changing for the profession, politicians not acting on their promises, the denigration of teachers, and their professional views being dismissed.

Furthermore, almost eight out 10 (79%) are not confident that the arrangements in their school for managing teachers’ pay and performance treat all teachers fairly.

A real-time electronic poll of attendees at the Conference found that:

• 66% feel the Welsh Government rarely or never respects and values teachers;
• 79% are not confident that the arrangements in their school for managing teachers’ pay and performance treat all teachers fairly;
• 58% do not believe that their school’s policy explains clearly to teachers the basis on which decisions are made about pay and progression;
• A third (67%) say their school does not discuss and agree professional development priorities with them each year;
• Only two out of ten (21%) teachers said they are provided with time to access their professional development priorities.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: 

“The experiences shared by teachers from across Wales today demonstrates that despite recent government promises, there is still a long way to go before teachers feel valued.

“It was clear that the teachers at the conference are absolutely and fully committed to being great teachers and to serving the children and young people they teach.

“However their professional effectiveness is being undermined as result of cuts to education, excessive workload, and the damaging impact of the accountability regime.

“The NASUWT will continue its on-going dialogue with the Welsh Government to determine how they intend the address the concerns of teachers.”