Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education

Introduction

The world teachers day 2024 themed Valuing teacher voices: towards a new social contract for education UNESCO underscores the critical role of teachers in shaping and transforming education. UNESCO emphasizes that teachers’ insights, experiences, and expertise are essential to creating an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable education system that meets the needs of today’s world. Valuing teacher voices means engaging educators as active partners in decision-making and policy creation, recognizing their insights as vital to addressing the challenges and evolving demands of modern education. This new social contract calls for collaborative efforts among teachers, policymakers, and communities to ensure a high-quality, supportive education framework for all learners.

Teachers Lounge World Teachers Day Celebration 

On 5th October, 2024 we hosted sixty (60) teachers from within and outside our to a virtual event in commemoration of the day. 

This event offered a comprehensive experience, beginning with an insightful health talk led by an expert in wellness, who shared valuable information on maintaining overall well-being. The talk covered various aspects of health, with a particular focus on practical strategies for managing heart health, the importance of balanced nutrition, and the role of regular exercise in preventing chronic conditions.

The Corporate Wellness Coach, Roseline Eyenike, provided an in-depth discussion on the importance of maintaining good heart health. She emphasized the role of diet and exercise in managing heart risks and shared effective strategies for heart health management.

Participants also engaged in dynamic group discussions, where they explored the event’s central theme in greater depth. These discussions fostered meaningful exchanges of ideas, allowing individuals to share personal experiences and learn from one another’s perspectives.

To enhance networking opportunities, the event featured a speed networking session, giving attendees the chance to quickly connect with like-minded professionals and expand their networks. 

In addition to the more formal activities, the event included a range of fun and interactive games designed to energize participants and encourage team-building. These activities provided a lighter, more engaging way to bond with others, all while promoting a sense of camaraderie and collaboration.

Overall, the event seamlessly blended learning, networking, and entertainment, creating a well-rounded experience that was both informative and enjoyable.

Key Insights from the World Teachers’ Day Theme Discussion

We explored the theme through three main focus areas during our group discussions:

• Valuing Teacher Voices
• A New Social Contract for Education
• Addressing Teacher Challenges

Following the group discussions, here is a communiqué summarizing the teachers’ responses and concerns.

Discussion 1: Valuing Teachers Voices

The breakout session on “Valuing Teachers’ Voices” focused on recognizing and integrating teachers’ perspectives in decision-making processes affecting education. The discussion highlighted key areas where teachers’ voices are often marginalized(Not-heard), potential benefits of involving teachers in decision-making, challenges they face when sharing opinions, and examples of positive outcomes through teacher input.

Key Areas of Marginalization

Teachers from the breakout session identified major areas where their voices are often unheard, which are:

1. Curriculum Development – Teachers are rarely consulted on curriculum changes, which can lead to misaligned expectations and lack of relevance to local contexts.

2. Education Policy-Making – Policy decisions frequently exclude teacher input, often leading to policies disconnected from classroom realities.

3. Resource Allocation – Teachers have limited influence over budget decisions that directly impact material and infrastructural availability.

Benefits of Including Teachers in Decision-Making

It was observed that involving teachers in educational decision-making can enhance educational outcomes by:

1. Aligning policies with classroom needs and realities.

2. Fostering solutions tailored to local challenges.

3. Promoting teacher autonomy and motivation.

4. Utilizing teachers’ expertise in curriculum and resource planning.

5. Enhancing collaboration among educators, administrators, and policymakers.

6. Improving student performance on formative and summative assessments.

Challenges Faced by Teachers in Sharing Opinions

Teachers that participated identified several challenges when sharing their insights and these challenges are:

1. Lack of platforms for effective feedback.

2. Fear of retribution or negative professional impacts.

3. Limited access to key decision-makers.

4. Insufficient funding for implementing suggested initiatives.

5. Cultural and linguistic barriers.

Example of Positive Change Through Teacher Input

One teacher shared a successful initiative where their suggestion to use tech tools for student data collection led to:

• Increased student engagement,
• Enhanced confidentiality of student records,
• Timely feedback to parents on student performance.

This example underscores the potential of teacher insights to positively impact educational practices.

Recommendations Made by Teachers

Participants proposed the following actions to elevate teachers’ voices in educational decision-making:

1. Establish regular, structured feedback mechanisms for teachers.

2. Ensure teacher representation in decision-making bodies.

3. Foster a culture of openness and constructive feedback in curriculum planning.

4. Support teacher professional development in policy and advocacy.

5. Recognize and reward innovative, teacher-led initiatives.

These recommendations emphasize the importance of systemic support for teachers, not only to enrich classroom practices but also to cultivate an educational system that values and leverages teachers’ unique insights for continuous improvement.

• Discussion 2 : A New Social Contract for Education

The breakout session on “A New Social Contract for Education” focused on transforming education systems to foster inclusivity, equity, and sustainability. The discussion was centered on redefining the role of teachers and collaborative approaches with policymakers and communities to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners. The session outlined how teachers envision a new social contract for education and provided actionable ideas for creating a framework where teachers are pivotal in system transformation.

Key Takeaways from the Session

1. The Meaning of a New Social Contract for Teachers 

Teachers view a new social contract as a shift beyond knowledge transmission, positioning them as mentors who support holistic development and prepare students to navigate a complex, ever-changing world. This contract implies a redefined relationship between educators, students, and society, where teachers foster essential skills like critical thinking, creativity, decision-making, and collaboration. The goal is for teachers to nurture lifelong learners equipped to adapt and succeed.

2. Building an Inclusive and Equitable Education System 

Teachers highlighted the need for specialized training to support diverse learners, particularly students with disabilities and those from underserved areas. Recommendations included:

• Enhanced Training for Inclusivity: Specialized programs to equip teachers with skills to support learners with disabilities.
• Government Support for Re-enrollment Programs: Subsidized programs to help out-of-school children reintegrate into the system, paired with mobile training units to reach remote areas.
• Use of Personalized Technology: Adaptive, audio-visual tools that cater to students with disabilities (e.g., hearing impairments) to create a more inclusive learning environment.

3. Collaboration Between Teachers, Government, and Communities 

Effective collaboration between teachers, government, and communities emerged as a critical component of this new social contract. Teachers advocated for ongoing exposure to professional events and training, as well as active involvement in policy-making processes. Key suggestions included:

• Active Teacher Involvement in Policy: Teachers emphasized the importance of being directly involved in the formulation and implementation of educational policies.
• Community Engagement: Community members can support educational quality by participating in public education forums, thereby ensuring that policies reflect the collective needs of all stakeholders.

4. Teachers’ Role in Transforming Education for Today’s Learners 

Teachers see themselves as key advocates for education reform, pushing for curriculum and policy changes to create a relevant, future-ready system. They highlighted several approaches for addressing the needs of today’s learners:

• Fostering Lifelong Learning: Teachers nurture a growth mindset in students, encouraging adaptability and curiosity.
• Hands-On and Real-World Learning: Project-based learning allows students to tackle real-world problems, building teamwork and leadership skills.
• Building Digital and Global Skills: Teachers help students develop digital competencies and global awareness, preparing them for a tech-driven, interconnected world.

5. The Importance of Professional Development for Teachers 

Continuous professional development was highlighted as essential for teachers to stay updated on innovative methods, technology, and educational trends. This enables them to effectively implement modern approaches that resonate with today’s learners.

This session underscored the indispensable role teachers play in creating an education system that is inclusive, adaptable, and aligned with contemporary learner needs. Through a new social contract, teachers envision a collaborative framework where they, along with governments and communities, work toward a common goal of providing equitable and sustainable education for all. These insights offer a roadmap for actionable change, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in transforming education systems.

Discussion 3: Addressing Teachers’ Challenges

The breakout session on “Addressing Teachers’ Challenges” provided valuable insights into the barriers teachers face and potential strategies for improvement based on their feedback. The session underscored a recurring theme of the need for better working conditions, professional development, and systemic support to enhance educational outcomes.

Key Barriers Identified by Teachers

1. Lack of Opportunity to Implement New Knowledge 

Teachers expressed frustration over school leadership’s limited support for applying new techniques or ideas in the classroom, resulting in missed opportunities for educational innovation.

2. Overpopulated Classrooms 

Overcrowded classrooms hinder individualized instruction and effective classroom management, significantly impacting students’ learning experiences.

3. Limited Access to Technology 

Many public school teachers lack IT equipment to integrate digital tools into their teaching, a challenge that restricts digital literacy development in students.

4. Restricted Access to Professional Training

Younger teachers report fewer opportunities for professional growth, limiting their ability to gain relevant skills needed to keep pace with educational advancements.

5. Poor Working Conditions and High Workload 

Inadequate work environments and overwhelming responsibilities contribute to burnout, making it difficult for teachers to maintain high teaching standards.

Impacts of Inadequate Working Conditions

Teachers highlighted that the high workload and insufficient support negatively impact their effectiveness. Without adequate resources and manageable responsibilities, teachers struggle to meet educational standards, and their well-being suffers.

Suggested Professional Development

Teachers indicated a strong interest in training related to Microsoft tools and Artificial Intelligence in Education. These skills are seen as essential for adapting to digital-age teaching and for enhancing student engagement with technology-enabled learning.

Recommendations for Improved Support

Based on teachers’ feedback, the following recommendations are suggested to address their challenges:

1. Enhanced Remuneration and Career Growth Opportunities – Competitive pay and clear paths for advancement can improve job satisfaction and motivate teachers to remain committed.

2. Increased Resource Allocation for Professional Development – Providing regular training sessions, especially on emerging educational technologies, can enable teachers to develop their skills and improve classroom delivery.

3. Mental Health and Motivational Support – Schools should consider implementing mental health resources, mentorship programs, and motivational incentives to support teachers’ well-being.

Barriers to Educational Reforms and Curriculum Design

Teachers expressed that they often face systemic barriers, such as lack of involvement in decision-making processes, which limits their engagement with educational reforms. Increased teacher participation in curriculum design could improve classroom applicability and empower teachers in shaping student outcomes.

This discussion underscores the need for collaborative efforts from school leadership and government bodies to support teachers effectively, improve their working conditions, and enhance professional development opportunities.