Workload and Teacher Education Reform in England

Focusing on Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy

Abstract

ABSTRACT 　　 The purpose of this paper is to summarize the workload reforms that are taking place in England from the perspective of teacher education, focusing on the “Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy” announced by the Department for Education (DfE) in 2019. After having summarizing the current situation and issues, such as the kind of perspectives and conditions being developed, teachers can perform their duties with a sense of fulfillment in their career development, while developing their professional skills. 　　 Since 1997, England has actively improved its working environment for teachers as part of its efforts to improve educational standards. However, the problems of teacher shortages and long working hours have not been fully resolved. To solve such problems, the DfE released its “Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy” in 2019. This strategy includes the creation of a support framework for novice teachers, the Early Career Framework (ECF), the creation of a new teacher professional qualification framework that specializes in teacher work and responsibility (NPQLBC, NPQLL, NPQLPM, NPQLT, and NPQTD), the guarantee of flexible working styles, and the development of a work environment that emphasizes well-being and financial incentives. The characteristics of England’s initiative can be summarized as (1) support and professional development, (2) autonomy and flexibility, (3) work-life balance and well-being, and (4) diversity and accountability. 　　 In Japan, efforts are being made to reform the way teachers work and teacher education to make the teaching profession more attractive. I believe that the four characteristics that England is adopting are suggestive when considering how to prepare conditions for future Japanese teachers to engage in professional development and teaching activities with self-fulfillment and a sense of contentment. Keywords：England, Workload Reform, Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy, National Professional Qualification (NPQ), Well-being