Raising the Status of the Teaching Profession
Teaching is one of the most essential professions in any society—shaping minds, nurturing potential, and laying the groundwork for future generations. Yet, despite its importance, the role of teachers has been steadily devalued in many parts of the world. Public recognition has diminished, support systems have weakened, and the demands placed on educators continue to grow. We are now facing a global crisis in education: fewer people are entering the profession, and many of those who do are leaving within just a few years.
This blog explores the urgent need to raise the status of the teaching profession, the consequences of neglecting it, and what can be done to turn things around.
In today’s society, the teaching profession is often undervalued and underappreciated. Once seen as a cornerstone of community and national progress, education has lost much of the reverence it once held. As a result, teachers no longer carry the same social status or professional respect as they did in previous generations.
The consequences of this shift are wide-reaching and deeply concerning. Teachers face growing disrespect from students and parents alike. Support from the broader community is minimal, and salaries remain stagnant—mirroring society’s diminished perception of the profession. This lack of investment in education further reinforces the idea that teaching is not an important job, creating a harmful feedback loop.
Underfunded schools lead to poor performance from both teachers and students. With tight budgets, schools struggle to hire enough staff, forcing existing teachers to shoulder heavier workloads. Burnout becomes inevitable. This directly affects teacher retention—many early-career educators leave the profession within just three years, unable to cope with the demands and lack of support.
Globally, the issue is reaching a tipping point. Countries are competing to recruit teachers from abroad, but the poor working conditions often cause new recruits to quickly leave or change careers altogether.
The picture is bleak:
Not enough teachers to fill positions
High turnover rates
Inadequate pay compared to the workload
Public mistrust and negative media portrayals
Rising mental health issues among both teachers and students
The trend shows no signs of slowing. We must ask ourselves: What will teaching look like in 10 years? Who will be left to educate future generations?
There are lessons to be learned from success stories. In Finland, for example, teaching is a prestigious, well-compensated career. Teachers are respected professionals, student outcomes are strong, and both groups report high levels of well-being. The Finnish government invests significantly in education, and it shows.
So, how can we begin to elevate the status of teachers and restore the profession’s dignity?
Here are a few crucial steps:
Increase teacher salaries to attract skilled, passionate professionals.
Prioritize teacher mental health with access to counseling and wellness programs.
Build resilience through supportive professional communities and in-school mental health services—not just for students, but for staff as well.
Reduce excessive workloads so teachers can focus on what matters most: preparing engaging, effective lessons and building strong student relationships.
These actions are not optional—they are essential. If we are serious about improving education and shaping a better future, we must start by valuing those who do the vital work of teaching.