What staff benefits do Teachers and Prospective Candidates really want?

Staff benefits is a hot topic in schools and teacher recruitment, especially with recruiting and retaining great teaching staff being more challenging now than ever. We all know our teachers put in countless hours of hard work and dedication and recognising this hard work can really improve happiness and retention levels in your school. In this blog, we look at staff benefits that will help motivate and inspire your staff, and help you recruit and retain the best teaching talent.

1. Free Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

As lifelong learners, teachers thrive on opportunities to grow and improve their skills. Access to regular CPD workshops and training programmes will help them to stay up-to-date with the latest educational practices. Tes Develop is an online training platform which provides access to flexible and personalised CPD. It covers safeguarding and duty of care, professional studies, leadership and subject knowledge (Although to access it for free you’ll need to have an active TES Staff Management Subscription in place), however, alternative free CPD options are available too, and teachers should be encouraged and supported in taking time to learn.

2. Career Progression and Individualised Support

Teachers want to know that their hard work, ambitions, and dedication are noticed and appreciated. Opportunities for career progression and recognition of exceptional teaching, can provide the motivation needed to keep excelling in their roles. Offering personalised support acknowledges their individuality and provides assistance where it’s most needed. Consider creating a mentoring scheme where more experienced staff are paired with newer team members, who they can guide and advise.

3. Flexibility in Teaching Approaches

Teachers are experts in their field and have unique insights into effective teaching methods. They value the freedom to use their expertise and creativity in the classroom. A supportive senior leadership team that encourages flexibility in teaching approaches, whilst still providing support, can foster a more engaging and dynamic learning environment.

4. Peer Group Support

Teaching can be emotionally taxing, and teachers benefit from a strong support network. Encourage your teachers to talk to each other. Peer group support provides a space for sharing experiences, challenges, and successes. This will help create a sense of community within the school and teachers will know there is always someone who can help and support them.

5. Flexible work/life balance

We all know teaching is not just a job, it’s a calling, but sometimes, the workload can become overwhelming. Teachers want school leaders and administrators to understand the importance of workload management and support measures that prevent burnout. There are a few ways to do this. Encourage staff members to prioritise self-care, provide flexible working hours options where feasible and implement strategies to manage workload more effectively.

6. Recognition and Appreciation

Emotional rewards play a crucial role in teacher satisfaction. Feeling valued, recognised, and appreciated for their contributions can significantly boost a teacher’s morale. Simple gestures like genuine thank-you notes or public recognition for outstanding work can go a long way in motivating teachers.

7. Support with transportation

Assistance with commuting costs, like public transportation or free parking, can be a valuable perk, especially for schools in highly built-up areas with limited public parking. With the backing of your colleagues, try implementing initiatives like a cycle-to-work or car-share schemes.

Our teachers are passionate about their work and dedicated to their students’ success and the right staff benefits can make a significant difference to where they choose to work. These benefits are not just about monetary gains; they reflect the value and respect the profession deserves.

Ambleglow can support your school with staff recruitment and retention initiatives, so if you’d like to find out more book a Discovery Call here.