Australian Education is not alone in trying to please parents and students. It has gotten worse because of Covid. Many schools have created extra work for teachers to please parents and students. Decisions are made based on parental support instead of what needs to be done to close the learning gap during covid.
The sad part is that teachers are burnt out and leaving the profession. Schools are desperate for teachers. I dread the upcoming year as the possibility looms that we will again be shorted staffed. I normally teach the Extend School Year program for students with disabilities, but I took this summer off. I love working with the kids I teach, but I need to do what is best for me. It has been a tough year at school, and I also had some medical issues that sapped my energy and physical stamina.
Additionally, I have no idea what I will be teaching next year. The school needs to hire 3 Special Education teachers for next year only two of us are returning. Depending on the teachers' qualifications, I could be teaching Life Skills, History, Math, or Science class to our sub-separate students. I will be assigned to co-teach two inclusion classes and a caseload of students with IEPs.
Despite the craziness of the last few years, I do it because I love it. I hope that when you finish your master's that you at least try it for a year or two.
I have heard lots about short-staffing and burnout. I can't blame the teachers... the combination of the responsibility and the crazy demands from all quarters makes the actual education aspect seem like it is the least important part of it all!
I do love teaching, but I'm really not that keen on all the stuff that surrounds it... and sometimes, I think that people play on and take advantage of the love of teaching that teachers have.
The administration knows what teachers care and are willing to do what is needed for students. The flip side is that the students and some parents know who will help when they need it. I had a student move away in December, but he sent me a picture of his diploma and thanked me. At our graduation, one of the parents gave me a dozen roses to thank me for all I did for their daughter. I love it when my students experience success. They are why I stick with it.